Corpus Christi

I went to two Masses today. The first one was in my parish, where I was assigned to read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Drama Queen that I am, I relished putting my heart where my mouth was, and proclaiming This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.

Besides being food for the soul, this reading was food for my mind. I find it amazing that for over 2000 years this memorial has been continued. That today, I am in communion with the early Christians. We carry on. This Eucharist unites us into the Communion of Saints. We are one catholic family: Mary, apostles, saints, everyone, and me. United through God because once we partake of His Body and Blood, we are united in Him. We become part of His divine life. It's wicked awesome, when you think about it.

Then in Chapter, Father Nic celebrated Mass for my "cloistered brothers." Again I heard 1 Corinthians 23-26. But this time, Father Nic emphasized the reason we believe that God is truly present in the Bread and Wine. And although Father Nic didn't reveal anything new; it wasn't anything I didn't know; it wasn't anything a child making their First Communion couldn't have told you; yet it reached my heart. Before I knew it in my head. However, this time my cloistered brothers reached my heart.

The reason we Catholics believe that the Bread and Wine on the altar is God, is because Jesus told us. God can not lie.

My cloistered brothers understood it in simple terms. They believe because Jesus told them too.  Their faith reached into the heart of this Faith.  God bless them.

Ave, verum corpus
natum de Maria Virgine,
Vere passum immolatum
in Cruce pro homine,
Cujus latus perforatum
unda* fluxit (et)* sanguine,
Esto nobis praegustatum
in mortis examine.

Hail,true body
born of the Virgin Mary,
Who truly suffered, sacrificed
on the Cross for man,
Whose pierced side overflowed
with water* and blood,
Be for us a foretaste**
In the test of death.