SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST, YEAR B

Exodus 24:3-8

Psalm 115:12-13.15-18

Hebrews 9:11-15

Mark 14:12-16.22-26

THE EUCHARIST: SIGN OF THE NEW COVENANT 

Today, we celebrate the mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). As we know, the Eucharist was instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ during the Last Supper; and any time we celebrate the Eucharist, we do so in memory of his death and resurrection until he comes again. Interestingly, the idea that pervades today’s readings is that of the covenant, understood as a solemn agreement between two parties, in our case, between God and his people. 

The first reading provides the background necessary to understand Jesus’ words in Mark’s account: “This is my blood of the covenant which will be shed for many”. Moses spoke similar words when, after the ritual of peace offering, he sprinkled the blood on the altar and on people of Israel so as to ratify God’s covenant with them on mount Sinai: “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words of his.”

In the gospel, Jesus instituted the Eucharist as the sign of the New and Everlasting Covenant. It was in the context of the annual commemoration of the Jewish Passover. As he took the bread, he said: “Take it; this is my body”. 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.” The bread broken is the sign of a life given, and the wine shared is the sign of the blood to be poured out in sacrifice on the cross. In this perspective, the Letter to the Hebrews makes it clear that by sacrificing himself once for all on the cross, Jesus has become the Eternal High Priest, the Mediator of the new and eternal covenant. 

Therefore, today’s readings remind us of two things. First, we are a covenant people, ransomed by the Blood of Christ. Second, the Blood of Christ is the source of our life and salvation. As a covenant people, may we remain faithful to our promises and obedient to God’s will. 

May the Lord Jesus set us free from every bondage and grant us salvation. May we find joy, peace, liberation, healing, protection and breakthrough in adoring him who is really present in the Eucharist. Amen 

Happy Feast to you all!