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Corpus Christi

Our feast today is Corpus Christi, the Body of Christ; more formally, it is termed: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.  Today’s Gospel is drawn from chapter six of John’s Gospel, often termed the “bread of life” chapter.  Here Jesus declares: “I am the bread of life….  I am the bread that came down from heaven….  My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.”  Hearing Jesus’ words, many of his ordinary followers abandoned him.  The Twelve stayed with Jesus; Peter declared: “Lord to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.”

Saintly Insights.  Since this year is the 150th anniversary of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-2023), we can draw much inspirational insight from her writings on the Eucharist.  Each of these quotes provides us with rich material for reflection.  She wrote: “The guest of our soul knows our misery; He comes to find an empty tent within us—that is all He asks.”  “Receive Communion often, very often….  There you have the sole remedy, if you want to be cured.  Jesus has not put this attraction in your heart for nothing.”

Thérèse continues: “By our little acts of charity practiced in the shade we convert souls far away, we help missionaries, we win for them abundant alms; and by that means build actual dwellings spiritual and material for our Eucharistic Lord.”  “It is not to remain in a golden ciborium that He comes down each day from heaven, but to find another heaven, the heaven of our soul in which He takes delight.”

Additional Wisdom.  The “Little Flower” Saint instructs us.  “Do you realize that Jesus is there in the tabernacle expressly for you—for you alone?  He burns with the desire to come into your heart….  Don’t listen to the demon, laugh at him, and go without fear to receive the Jesus of peace and love.”  “You must open a little, or rather raise on high your corolla so that the Bread of Angels may come as divine dew to strengthen you, and to give you all that is wanting to you.”

“O Jesus, on this day you have filled all my desires.  From now on, near the Eucharist, I shall be able to sacrifice myself in silence, to wait for Heaven in peace.  Keeping myself open to the rays of the Divine Host, in this furnace of love, I shall be consumed.  And, like a seraphim, Lord, I shall love you.” 

Our Response.  As we admire the insights of this small Thérése, let us remember that her childlike joy at being in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord is something to strive for.  In addition, we recall that our United States bishops conference has inaugurated the National Eucharistic Revival.  The goal of this endeavor is: “To renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.”  Blessings to you and your loved ones on this feast of Corpus Christi.

James H. Kroeger, M.M.

 

Trinity Sunday

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

I bow before the sublime mystery

of one God in three divine persons

confessing I do not fully comprehend

a truth far beyond human understanding.

You, in whose image all people were made,

nevertheless reveal yourself as

creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier,

thus inviting us to experience

the fullness of your Being though

it remains outside our poor ability

to fully comprehend.

God, by becoming one of us

and filling us with the Holy Spirit

you nonetheless invite us to enter fully

into a mystery we will never understand

until that Day when by your grace

we stand totally alive in you.

Amen.

Prayer by Father Joe Veneroso, M.M.

ABOUT MARYKNOLL

We are a Catholic Society of priests and brothers based in the United States. We are dedicated to missionary work overseas in over 20 countries. Additionally, we animate Catholics in the United States to follow their own baptismal call to share God’s compassion and love with the poor, the sick, and all those in need.

OUR GENERAL COUNCIL

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Fr. Lance P. Nadeau, Fr. James M. Lynch, Fr. Timothy O. Kilkelly, Fr. Juan Montes Zúñiga)

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers is overseen by our General Council, led by Superior General Rev. Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.

OUR FOUNDERS

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Our Co-Founders Father Price and Father Walsh)

PLACES WE SERVE

EVANGELIZATION, PARISHES, AND PROJECTS

USA

STORIES OF MISSION

(Africa) Education and Formation of African Clergy

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Africa Region will provide tuition assistance to African clergy, male and female religious at institutes of higher education or specialized training. Read More

Stories of Our Global Mission

The calling of a lifetime

The life of a Maryknoll missioner is challenging, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Follow your baptismal call to mission by sharing God’s compassion with the poor, the sick, and people most in need.