Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

by David Lins  |  06/11/2023  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

Our Catholic Church teaches that one of the greatest acts of love for another is sharing one’s body in complete vulnerability. “I love you. I trust you. I am yours completely.” Yet, in order to receive this act of love as intended, it cannot be separated from the commitment that is found in a sacrament—in this case, the sacrament of matrimony.

This act of freely entering into this holy sacrament strengthens both individuals and empowers them to serve the Lord throughout their time on Earth not only as individuals, but as a team bonded in Christ.

And this is what is at the heart of all sacraments: God inviting all of humanity into his family and reinforcing that familial relationship.

This weekend is the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. It celebrates the beauty of another sacrament: the Eucharist.

So let me say it again: Our Catholic Church teaches that one of the greatest acts of love for another is sharing one’s body in complete vulnerability. Yet, in order to receive this act of love as intended, it cannot be separated from the commitment that is found in a sacrament—in this case, the sacrament of the Eucharist.

This act of freely entering into this holy sacrament strengthens the individual and empowers them to serve the Lord throughout their time on Earth fully bonded to Christ.

There are times when people mistakenly take offense that “only Catholics are invited to receive the Eucharist.” This is not true! God invites all of his children to share in his Body and Blood, but a commitment is required first. This is why only Catholics in a state of grace are allowed to receive the Eucharist.

To receive the Eucharist at the hands of the ordained priesthood, one must commit. One must learn (through catechism classes or R.C.I.A.) Catholicism properly lived— and then join the family.

Every year at the Easter Vigil Mass, I watch new Catholics walk forward for the Eucharist as their hearts whisper to the Lord, “I love you. I trust you. I am yours completely.”