Body and Blood of Christ

St Norbert; St Marcellin Champagnat

Exodus 24:3-8. I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord – Ps 115(116):12-13, 15-18. Hebrews 9:11-15. Mark 14:12-16, 22-26.

‘This is my body; this is my blood’

Pope Francis, on the feast of Corpus Christi in 2020, spoke of the Eucharist as God’s memorial. We share at the table in memory of the greatest act of love. It occurs to me that a life can end as easily as bread is broken. Or rather, that such life and love as Jesus’ might be shared for many as generously as bread is offered to open hands and wine poured into an empty cup. At mealtimes, I am hungriest the moment before I eat. Afterwards, I am relaxed, comforted by the food that nourishes me. Eucharist feels like an opportunity for, and a memory of, hospitality, generosity and companionship. More deeply, the person who shared this bread was telling me he was sharing himself at the highest cost, to bring me closer into God’s love. I hold the tension of this moment. Joy and sorrow. God’s memorial.