Pastor's Reflection - June 22, 2025

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ—a feast that invites us to renew our wonder, gratitude, and love for the great gift of the Eucharist. In his apostolic exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis (“The Sacrament of Charity”), Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that the Eucharist is not only the source and summit of the Church’s life, but also a mystery that transforms how we believe, worship, and live.

The Eucharist: A Mystery to Be Believed

At the heart of our faith is the belief that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. This is not a symbol or a mere reminder—it is Christ Himself, given for us. As Pope Benedict wrote, “The Eucharist is Jesus Christ, who gives himself entirely to us.” Believing this changes everything. When we approach the altar with faith, we are truly encountering the Risen Lord.

The Eucharist: A Mystery to Be Celebrated

The Holy Mass is where this mystery becomes real among us. It is not just a ritual, but the re-presentation of Christ’s one sacrifice on the Cross. In every Mass, heaven and earth are united. The reverence, beauty, and silence surrounding the celebration remind us that we are standing on holy ground. As we adore and receive Christ in the Eucharist, our hearts are drawn into His.

The Eucharist: A Mystery to Be Lived

The Eucharist doesn’t end at the dismissal—it begins there. We are sent forth to live what we have received: to be Christ’s presence in the world. Pope Benedict said that the Eucharist “increases our responsibility to the poor and suffering.” Our communion with Christ must overflow in love for our neighbor, in acts of justice, mercy, and peace.

On this great feast of Corpus Christi, let us deepen our love for the Eucharist. May it be the center of our parish life, our families, and our personal journey with the Lord. And may we never take for granted this most precious gift: Jesus Christ, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.

in Christ,

Fr. James Northrop, Pastor