Feast of Corpus Christi

Today we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi – the Body and Blood of Christ.  It is a Feast that brings back memories of processions and special activities.  Corpus Christi is a feast that has been celebrated by many Christians, in honor of the Eucharist since 1246. The name “Corpus Christi” is a Latin phrase that refers to the body of Christ. This event commemorates the Last Supper on the day before Jesus’ crucifixion, as described in the Bible.  As I prayed today I was reminded of the beautiful prayer of St. Teresa of Avila: “Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”  Perhaps as we celebrate this feast today we can recall that we are indeed Christ for one another.  Let us remember as we receive the Eucharist today that we are loved, forgiven and not alone.  Jesus is always with us.

Pat Schifini, OSU