Dear Family,
Today is the Solemnity of THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST. We grew up knowing this as the Feast of Corpus Christi.
Throughout the centuries there was always a procession associated with the feast. Our modest but heartfelt procession comes after the Vigil Mass on Saturday. We bless the four directions, to spread good NEWS, and we pray for what stretches out before us. Those special prayers are on the back of this week’s bulletin.
Perhaps you would consider stepping outside your front door and praying for your patch of our world. (You can do it in your living room, too. It’s probably a lot cooler.)
What is the point?
For me, when I stop to pray and think about the Body of Christ, I’m overwhelmed. “Take this all of you and eat of it. This is my Body...” “...this is the chalice of my Blood which will be poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins.”
Jesus says. “MY Body... MY Blood.” How personal can you get? We speak of the presence of Jesus, in the Scriptures, in the sacrament, and in each other. We say we are the Body of Christ.
This body which we are needs nourishment, and so Jesus extends His Presence. Bread and wine. Imagine! “This is Me! Open your eyes of faith and see what I’m trying to do for you!”
The privilege of bringing about His Presence is awe-some and humbling. But priesthood is a gift to the whole church. We make Jesus present.
More amazing is the whole idea of Jesus, becoming man, walking with His disciples, giving Himself over for the sake of others, and then finding a way of remaining with us in an extraordinary way. It raises awe and wonder to a whole new level.
I’m writing this Twitch before this weekend’s feast, but I suspect that during this weekend’s homilies, I might recall again St. Thomas Aquinas’s (and Aristotle’s) help in trying to grasp such a mystery by looking at the ideas of substance and accidents.
But the last thing I want to do is cloud over the most personal gift of Eucharist with philosophical weeds. We’re not talking about philosophy, but incredible generosity. Stay tuned.
Shift Gears
Your new pastor, Father Ernest Biriruka, becomes ‘official’ tomorrow, June 12th. In early July, with Arch¬bishop Wenski’s encouragement, Father will take a vacation that had been long planned and is well-deserved.
So, this is my last “Official” Twitch. But I will enjoy staying on until Father Ernest returns.
Shift Gears Again
I have a few “official” thoughts.
Topmost on my list is simply to say THANK YOU for nearly 13 great years. You really have no idea how much you have blessed me.
The second thing on my list is to say another “Thanks!!!” for the WONDERFUL 55th anniversary party on May 25th. When I scheduled that celebration, I didn’t know I would be leaving, but it sure worked out well.
In the weeks to come I would really appreciate not making a big deal, or even a little deal, about moving on. Don’t forget it’s a two-way street. If we keep our gratitude in our hearts, that is more than enough.
Blessings on your heads and all the other parts that may need them.
In Jesus,
