Feast of Corpus Christi, also called Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, festival of the Roman Catholic Church in honor of the real presence of the body (corpus) of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. A movable observance, it is observed on the Thursday (or, in some countries, the Sunday) after Trinity Sunday and is a holy day of obligation in many countries.
Today, we realize that the meal we sit around the table and feast upon on Sundays brings us to the table of salvation. We have had the 60 days past Easter Sunday and we are set out to ‘ Live Christ’. Living Christ is something that we are called to do.
When the prophet Samuel came to the house of Jesse to anoint the future heir to the throne of Israel, he bypassed all the first seven sons and chose the last! “God looks at the heart and not at the appearance of a man” he declared (1 Samuel 16:7-13). David’s heart was like a compass looking for true north – it pointed to God. Matthew’s heart must have yearned for God, even though he dare not show his face in a synagogue – the Jewish house of prayer and the study of Torah – God’s law. When Jesus saw Matthew sitting at his tax office – no doubt counting his day’s profit – Jesus spoke only two words – “follow me”.
Those two words changed Matthew from a self-serving profiteer to a God-serving apostle who would bring the treasures of God’s kingdom to the poor and needy.
When we meet on Sunday morning to share a common meal we are like Matthew. We are called to ‘follow’ and spread his good news. That good news is strengthened by receiving him. This week we are called to go forth into the hills of life after experiencing a ride. We go through this ride every year.
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