This week Catholics celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi. Except for the United States, which has transferred the feast to this coming Sunday, the Pope, those who follow the 1962 liturgical calendar, and the rest of the world will celebrate it on Thursday, the day associated with the Last Supper. Except in the United States, according to my pastor, this feast is a holy day of obligation.
We know that Jesus is the Word of God and we listen to His word in the Bible. He also promised us in Matt. 18:20, "For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." But we experience Jesus most personally and intimately when we receive Him- body, blood, soul, and divinity - in the Holy Eucharist. What more perfect way to honor this great gift and praise Christ in a most special way than through the feast set aside specifically for this purpose?
I wrote some history about the Feast of Corpus Christi and why we believe from the Bible in the Real Presence of Jesus under the appearance of bread and wine at my other blog for those who are interested. Here I want to offer something to those who doubt or just don't believe.
Studies in recent years have shown that 2/3 of Catholics don't believe in the Real Presence, that they believe they only receive bread and wine at Holy Communion, a distressing indicator of the catechetical problems in the Church. God loves us so much, though, that throughout the centuries He has provided miracles to show us that Jesus is personally there, and prompt us to deeper faith. Today is no different. Our heavenly Father wants us to love His Son as He does, and believe in all He revealed while on earth, so He is willing to startle us with what seems impossible.
One of the most remarkable miracles of the Holy Eucharist in recent years occurred in Argentina. May all who see this video find peace and encouragement to adore Jesus more and receive Him more reverently and may all celebrate the coming feast of Corpus Christi with special joy.
