The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, June 6, 2010
Fr. Anthony Brankin
Gospel: Luke 9:11-17. Miracles of loaves and fishes
MP3 Audio 16 min. Full homily text
Summary: Holy Communion is not a symbol. It’s Jesus. Holy Communion is the Body and Blood that Jesus himself gives to us as spiritual food. The term “transubstantiation” means that you begin with the substance of bread and wine, and at the consecration it is changed to the substance of Christ’s Body and Blood. It is not bread and wine any longer, although it has these appearances. It has been changed to the Body and Blood of Christ.
Communion in the hand was introduced in the Church in the 1970’s, but when Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass, he indicates his preference by having people kneel and receive the host on the tongue. I invite you to try kneeling to receive communion at the communion rail. When you get back to your seats you can whisper your prayers and needs to Him.
Help restore belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Learn by reading the books and brochures of New Hope Publications. See their material on the Mass and the Eucharist.