Catholics across the world will celebrate this weekend the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (also known as the Feast of Corpus Christi). Precious is the gift of Christ given for us.
These are mysteries so foreign to those who do not believe or choose not to. Belief in the Eucharist is a needed part of our faith journey. The necessity is so compelling that when people began to complain this teaching was too hard, Christ allowed them to walk away. He did not waver or change the teaching or lessen the need to believe in His Presence despite the hardness of the mystery.
As a result of this, many [of] his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” – John 6:66-69
The staggering number of Catholics who no longer believe truly and fully in the Presence of Christ in the Eucharist is deeply saddening. The Eucharist is the most profound gift. This quote should give us cause to think:
“If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion.” – St. Maximilian Kolbe (Daily Catholic Quote)
How can we allow a gift so profound to no longer be received and adored?
For those of us who believe and hold fast to the true Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, how do we truly thank Jesus for His gift to us? How can we embrace with greater belief and longing to receive Jesus’ Body and Blood? Let us reflect more and allow our hearts to embrace a true love for the Eucharist.
As I spent time reflecting on the power and gift of the Eucharist, these words arose within me as a prayer from my soul-
An honor and a gift we are not owed.
Such generosity of God bestowed.
A union with Christ divine
A way to make us like unto Thine.
No, I don’t usually pray in or write in rhyme but the beauty of communing with God draws us into things divine or above ourselves. We are given glimpses of mysterious things beyond our simple human eyes. We cannot help at times to allow the Spirit to pray through us in the words that flow from within. Praying with our own words is an inspiring way to reflect and to enliven our faith.
Take time to quiet yourself and to allow the words of love and honor to well inside of you. Allow yourself to pray them out loud or softly to yourself or even write them down to recall them later at needed times.
There are times also when there are great gifts to be had by praying along with the Church in long honored prayers. By praying more formalized prayer we allow ourselves to awaken within a newness of love and devotion while connecting with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. One such prayer that is perfect to be said on this coming Solemnity is that of the Anima Christi, Latin for “Soul of Christ.”
I invite you this weekend ideally after receiving Holy Eucharist to pray this prayer to honor Christ and the powerful love His Presence makes known to our soul.
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds, hide me. Let me never be separated from you. From the malignant enemy, defend me. In the hour of my death, call me, And bid me come to you, That with your saints I may praise you Forever and ever. Amen.
If you want to reflect more deeply on the words of this magnificent prayer, check out this line-by-line reflection of the Anima Christi prayer here.
May our hearts burn within us like the disciple at Emmaus when He was made known to them through the breaking of the bread. (John 24: 13-35) Christ waits for us to admit Him into our souls so that He might dwell in a very intimate and profound way with us each time we receive Him in Holy Eucharist.
References:
Daily Catholic Quote retrieved from https://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/2019/08/daily-catholic-quote-from-st-maximilian-kolbe-23/
