Corpus Christi Sunday (2014-06-22)

[__01__]   It is common for a team – whether amateur or professional, local or international – to display and promote its medals, awards, championships.

The trophy – or cup – celebrates a win / victory and reminds the players of the sacrifices made on the practice field and in the match.

St. Paul, writing his 2^nd letter to Timothy, also refers to perseverance, endurance in his own life, and struggle … as he anticipates his own martyrdom – Paul writes,

“For I am already on the point of being sacrificed, the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  (2 Timothy 4:7)

Finishing and winning – with God on our side - are spiritual objectives …They are also national motivations in stadiums throughout Brazil.

In Brazil, in a few weeks, one national team– at a soccer/football stadium in Brazil – will kick its way to an elevated FIFA World Cup.

The cup raised by the players will indicate all the work they have completed.

[__02__]    This is Corpus Christi Sunday – the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

At every Sunday Mass and celebration of the Eucharist, there is victory… a victory over sin, death.

This is the bread and cup of which Jesus spoke in John’s Gospel today, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink.” (John 6:55)

This Gospel reminds us that the Lord gave his life, also against rivals and adversaries –

• Rivals and adversaries --- In a courtroom of sorts with officials of the Roman Empire

• Rivals and adversaries --- in both the political and religious arena

• Rivals and adversaries – on the Way of the Cross.

Rivals and adversaries of whom Jesus himself said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” ( Luke 23:34 )

Forgiveness is a victory.

[__03__]   How is a victory or a win or the defeat of an adversary possible?

In a general sense, is not a victory possible because of the sacrifices made …

Thus, we believe that in our pursuit of “spiritual perfection”, we are also called to sacrifice –

• Sacrament of matrimony – as husbands and wives.

• Parents / children/ teachers – lay down their lives for the young.

• For the weaker person or the person with an illness-- lay down their lives for the older person, the person with an illness or disability.

[__04__]     Sacrifice may mean inconvenience, discomfort…

Nevertheless, it is also our belief that sacrifice is neither a defeat nor a loss of freedom…or a penalty …or penalty kick against us.

Sacrifice is a required part of the Christian life… but we are also called to sign up freely for this required course / examination.

For example, on the way of the cross for our savior, Pontius Pilate appears to have a great deal of the power; and Jesus, very little.

However, Jesus himself reminds Pilate – “no one takes my life from me…I lay it down on my own and take it up again.” (John 10:18)

In a similar way, Jesus had confused – and frustrated – the Pharisees by suggesting that the Temple could be torn down in 3 days and rebuilt again. (cf. John 2:19).  But, Jesus was referring to the Temple of his body…of his own power – as God – over death.

[__05__]    Jesus wins a victory through sacrifice, through surrender of his body and soul. However, this is not a victory that is an accomplishment once a season or every 4 years.

Rather, his victory is also about the present and the future for you and for me.

[__06__]     We participate in this victory when we offer our repentance, confess our sins, give our love ..through the Church to our brothers and sisters.

In the traditional verse about Christ’s victory, we sing…. “were you there when they nailed him the tree…?”

The Feast of Corpus Christi – of his Body and Blood on the altar, in the tabernacle each day – reminds us that this is not only about the past …or of his previous passion and death …but rather about his life in the Eucharist.

Yes, when he died for our sins… we were there…

On Corpus Christi Sunday – and every Mass – we recall that always – he is here, victorious, running the race, fighting the good fight, keeping the faith. [__fin__]