Importance of the Body and Blood of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week :  Sunday*

*Solemnity of the Most Body and Blood of Jesus : Corpus Christi*

*Gospel : John 6:51-58*

*First Reading : Dt 8:2-3, 14b-16a*

*SECOND READING - 1 Cor 10:16-17*

*Importance of the Body and Blood of Jesus*

*1) Greatest Gift ever*

In the History we never see a person who has given His own Body and Blood, for the salvation of many 

If at all it is done, its only by Jesus who offered totally, even with His Blood and Body 

That is why this could be considered as the greatest gift, because it is something very personal, very touching and not from out side 

*2) The celebration of the Body and Blood*

In the History we have the celebration of the feast of famous persons or saints 

But there is no celebration of the Body and Blood of any one in the History of the Human beings, except the Body and Blood of Jesus 

So the uniqueness of the feast tells us the speciality and the significance of it 

*3) The Presence of the Body and Blood*

Even Today, Jesus has given us the privilege of experience the presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus 

The Blessed Sacrament is the another eternal gift, given by Jesus to experience His everlasting presence in our life 

*4) Eucharist - The Participation in the body and blood of Jesus*

Another greatest gift of Jesus to receive Jesus everyday, in the Eucharist, as eternal food and  drink 

Eucharist helps us to receive the body and blood of Jesus in the Bread and wine, and to experience His divine presence within our hearts 

*5) Breaking - is at Center of this Celebration*

The feast of the Body and Blood of Jesus shows the important concept of *Breaking oneself* 

Unless Jesus breaks himself he can't give his body and blood. That's why He broke himself on the Cross and gave us His Body and Blood 

That's why all those who participate in the Eucharist need to break oneself to give to others 

*6) What Happens in the Eucharist*

Eucharist is the best available form of the Body and Blood of Jesus to us 

By participating in the Eucharist 

We are fed with eternal food, which is necessary for our souls 

We are given new life 

We are made to experience the divine presence within ourselves

We are made to remember the great sacrifice of Jesus 

We are made to follow the example of Jesus 

We are inspired to serve others like Jesus 

We are inspired to spread the Kingdom of God 

We are strengthed to live a holy and sincere life 

Finally we are chosen for the eternal life to live with Jesus forever 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*