The Feast of Corpus Christ celebrates the tradition and belief in the Body and Blood of Christ and his Real Presence in the Eucharist. It emphasizes the joy of the institution of the Eucharist, which was observed on Holy Thursday in the somber atmosphere of the nearness of Good Friday.

The sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood is honored in a special way today, and the liturgy reminds us of the magnitude of this gift, with its roots deep in Jesus’ own Jewish heritage (First Reading and Gospel) and its power to draw us into life with Christ (Gospel Acclamation and Communion Antiphon).

Our sharing in Christ’s most holy Body and Blood joins us to Christ’s sacrifice and makes us members of God’s family, a theme proclaimed in the Second Reading. We reaffirm that Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, is alive, and is truly present in the Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Through his priests, he gives us His Body and Blood, so that we may come to know Eternal life through Him. On this Feast of Corpus Christi, let us pray that the faithful around the world may seek to come to a deeper understanding of this great mystery of the Eucharist, and may come to exhibit a greater sense of reverence, awe, and wonder as they receive this most Holy and Blessed Sacrament. And may the Most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ, bring Eternal Life to all who receive it faithfully.