THE EUCHARIST, OUR SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT

 

Homily for the Solemnity of the Corpus Christi, Year A

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Scriptural Texts: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58

 

Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ also known as the Corpus Christi. This solemnity was instituted by Pope Urban IV in the year 1264 following the mystical experiences of a nun, Saint Juliana of Liège, who had visions of Jesus emphasizing the importance of a special feast dedicated to the Eucharist. Over the years, the solemnity of the Corpus Christi has come to serve as a reminder of the central importance of the Eucharist in the life of the Church and the spiritual nourishment it provides to the faithful. Today’s celebration is an opportunity to deepen one’s faith and express gratitude to God for the unquantifiable gift of Christ’s body and blood given for our salvation.

The three readings of today invite us to reflect on the significance of the Eucharist. In our first reading, we are reminded of the journey of the people of Israel through the wilderness; how God provided them with manna, the bread from heaven, to sustain them physically (Deuteronomy 8:2-16). This act shows us God’s constant care for his people. Just as God nourished the Israelites in the wilderness, he continues to nourish us today but in a different way. In our time, we are no longer nourished by manna that was only meant for physical and temporal sustenance; we are now nourished by the living bread that has come down from heaven, namely Jesus. Jesus offers us his body and blood as true food and drink, promising eternal life to those who partake in him (John 6:58).

St Paul in the second reading teaches us that when we partake in the Eucharistic meal, we participate in the body and blood of Christ. Through this participation, we experience a profound unity with Christ and with one another as the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). What this means is that the Eucharist makes us one with Christ and with one another. The Eucharist is not merely a symbol but a sacrament that brings about a real encounter with Jesus. It is in this encounter that we are spiritually nourished and find the strength to live as faithful disciples.

The Eucharist also has a transforming effect on those who partake in it. Just as the whole substance of bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Jesus through the sanctifying action of the Holy Spirit, those who receive the body and blood of Christ are also meant to be spiritually transformed into what they receive, namely, Jesus. Jesus desires an intimate union with us. He invites us to receive him fully into our lives and to allow his grace to transform us. When we receive the Eucharist, we are meant to be what we consume. This explains the saying of Jesus in the gospel reading that whoever receives him worthily abides in him and he himself abides in the person (John 6:56).

Lastly, as we reflect on the importance of the Eucharist in the life of the Church, let us remember that we are a people nourished by God’s Word and the Eucharist. Let us approach the Eucharistic table with faith, gratitude, reverence, humility, awe, and purity of heart recognizing the depth of God’s love for us. May this nourishment strengthen us to live as faithful disciples, to share God’s love with others, and to become signs of his presence in the world. Let us be mindful that just as physical nourishment is essential for our bodies, spiritual nourishment is crucial for our souls. May we always seek and receive this nourishment with reverence and gratitude. As Christ became bread broken for us, we are expected to give ourselves in service to others. Whenever we receive the Eucharist, we no longer live for ourselves but for Christ and others. Amen.