Exodus. 24:3-8
Psalm 115:12-13.15-18
Hebrews 9:11-15
Mark 14:12-16.22-26
THE SIGN OF A NEW COVENANT
The solemnity of Corpus Christi is a celebration that invites us to reflect more deeply on the mystery of the Eucharist, which is the Body and Blood of Christ. In the first reading, Moses offered a sacrifice of communion to seal the covenant God made with the people of Israel on Mount Sinai after He had delivered them from slavery in Egypt.
According to the second reading, God has made a new and better convenant with us. This covenant was not sealed with the blood of animals as in the days of Moses, but with the precious blood of Jesus. For Jesus offered himself once for all for us, making us a people ransommed for God.
The gospel reading tells us that on the first day of the Unleavened Bread, Jesus took his last meal with his disciples. As he took the bread, he said: “This is my body, given up for you”. Over the cup of wine, he said: “This is my blood, the blood of the new covenant, which is to be poured out for many.” By this Jesus instituted the Eucharist as the memorial of his sacrificial death, by which he has become the Mediator of the new and eternal covenant.
This means that any time we celebrate the Eucharist, the fruits of redemption Jesus won for us on the cross are made available for us. As he gave his Body and Blood to his disciples on the evening of his betrayal, Jesus continues to offer us his Body and Blood for our nourishment so as to strengthen us to persevere amid the difficulties and troubles of this life. He is really present among us in the form of bread and wine. And his sacrifice on the cross is made present in the Mass.
May we find joy, peace, restoration, deliverance and abundant life in the Body and Blood of Christ.
Amen.
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