Corpus Christi

Following the Solemnity of The Most Holy Trinity, we celebrate Holy Communion itself; the precious treasure (His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity) which Christ first gave to His Apostles at the Last Supper and which He longs, every day, to give to us, not as a reward for being good, but to assist us in actually becoming good.

Thanks to the present English translation of the text of the Mass, we can clearly ponder, just before Communion, the fact that, in ourselves, we are totally unworthy to have God come into our body and soul. Indeed, echoing the words of the Centurion, we declare, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed”. In this profound prayer, we not only admit our fallen human nature, but we proclaim our firm belief that Christ can, in His Goodness, providing that we are truly sorry, drive out sin.

It is because Jesus, God the Son, actually comes to each of us personally that the Church insists upon our being in a State of Grace, i.e. free from Mortal Sin. She requires us, also, under normal circumstances, to fast for one hour (water and medicines excepted) before receiving Communion. Hopefully, realising the importance of the Food of our Souls compared to earthly food, this is no big deal. We might also remember that, decades ago, the fast lasted from Midnight on Saturday; it was then reduced to three hours by Pope Pius XII in 1957, until eventually being reduced to the present one hour by Pope Paul VI in 1964.

Should we feel that our desire for Holy Communion is not as strong as it ought to be, then two child-martyrs, Saint Tarcisius and a Chinese girl, Little Li, who both gave their lives for the Holy Eucharist in times of persecution, will help us to re-kindle our love for the closest union with our God before He embraces us in Heaven.
 
Read the story of Saint Tarcisius here and that of Little Li here. Remember, too, that in various parts of the world, our Brothers and Sisters are still risking their lives for the Privilege of going to Communion. Wonderful stories, here, to inspire you and your children! Happy Feastday!