GIFT OF LOVE AND LIFE
We remember today in the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ the mystery of the Lord Jesus being willing to suffer for us and shed his blood for us, and we celebrate that he has been raised from the dead to live forever. In his Last Supper, Jesus clearly tells us that the bread and the wine are his Body and his Blood. We are here in the very presence of this incredible mystery: the Lord continues to give his Body and Blood for us.
In the first reading, Moses reminds the people of Israel that God provided them with food and drink in the wilderness. God had not merely fed them in the wilderness but had been their guide on a journey of discovery of the Promised Land. In the gospel reading, Jesus draws on the image of the manna in the desert, describing himself as "the living bread which has come down from heaven." He offers us a meal of his own Body and Blood.
We celebrate the great solemnity of The Body and Blood of Christ. This great mystery is given to draw us to everlasting life. Let us give thanks and allow our hearts and our minds to be shaped and formed by this mystery. Let us learn how to give our lives for others. May we rejoice today in this great mystery of salvation, and give praise to the Father.
Fr. Joseph Tran, SSS, Parochial Vicar
Recordamos hoy en el Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo el misterio del Señor Jesús dispuesto a sufrir por nosotros y derramar su sangre por nosotros, y celebramos que ha resucitado de entre los muertos para vivir para siempre. En su última cena, Jesús nos dice claramente que el pan y el vino son su cuerpo y su sangre. Estamos aquí en presencia de este increíble misterio: el Señor continúa dando su Cuerpo y Sangre por nosotros.
En la primera lectura, Moisés le recuerda al pueblo de Israel que Dios les proporcionó comida y bebida en el desierto. Dios no solo los había alimentado en el desierto sino que había sido su guía en un viaje de descubrimiento de la Tierra Prometida. En la lectura del evangelio, Jesús se basa en la imagen del maná en el desierto, describiéndose a sí mismo como "el pan vivo que ha descendido del cielo". Nos ofrece una comida de su propio cuerpo y sangre.
Celebramos la gran solemnidad de El cuerpo y la sangre de Cristo. Este gran misterio se da para atraernos a la vida eterna. Demos gracias y permitamos que nuestros corazones y nuestras mentes sean moldeados y formados por este misterio. Aprendamos cómo dar nuestras vidas por los demás. Que podamos alegrarnos hoy en este gran misterio de salvación, y alabar al Padre.
Notes
St. Joseph's Church Downtown has reopened with the usual schedule of weekday and weekend Masses, sacraments, and ministry. We are asked to practice social distancing and to use a face mask during church services to keep everyone safe and healthy.
A video of Sunday Mass at St. Joseph's is posted on YouTube at the St. Joseph Church Downtown Media page starting this weekend. We thank the Strelchun Family and John Francis for filming and editing the video so beautifully. Visit the St. Joseph Media (Downtown) page on YouTube. Mass for each Sunday and major feasts will be recorded.
Friday, June 19, is the solemnity of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Join us for quiet prayer in the presence of Christ in the Eucharist at 10:00 a.m. and for Mass at 12:00 noon as we remember the tenderness and mercy of God revealed in his Son Jesus Christ.
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated later this month: Wednesday, June 24, at 6:00 p.m. for our teens; Saturday, June 27, at 5:00 p.m. for adult candidates.
Please pray for St. Joseph's former pastor, Fr. Mario Marzocchi, SSS, who is facing continuing health issues and appreciates your love and prayers. His mailing address is: Regina Health Center; 5232 Broadview Road; Richfield, OH 44286.
In a spirit of caring for each other in these difficult days, we encourage you to support efforts to feed our neighbors in need via Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio and local food banks.