The most provocative claim Catholics confess in doctrine is that the bread they consume at Mass is truly Christ. Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. This feast highlights this truth. The feast originated in the 13th century with the vision of St. Juliana from Belgium (1193-1258). She had visions about a Eucharistic celebration and procession. She shared her promptings with her bishop, the future Pope Urban IV.

Pope Urban IV formally established the feast for the Latin Church in 1264 with its first celebration in the Cathedral of Orvieto.

Two treasured memories in my life on this feast day. One of my most treasured memories is processing with Pope Benedict XVI on the Feast of Corpus Christi in Rome. After Mass at Basilica of St. John Lateran, thousands of pilgrims walked down the Via Merulana to St. Mary Major. Etched in my heart is the memory of the many who walked with Jesus that day, singing psalms, reciting prayers, and carry candles … and I in the midst of them all, a sinner trying my best to follow the Lord.

The second memory is the Eucharistic procession at Mount Angel. While a far contrast from the thousands on the streets of Rome, we still followed the same glorious Christ.

What is the take away of taking Christ on the streets? Both experiences reminded me that we are all on a pilgrimage with Jesus. We adore him in this Sacrament. To love and adore Christ is essential to our discipleship. Abbot Jeremy said, “It is not possible to love Christ without adoring him” (237). The adoration of Christ, whether reserved in the tabernacle, on Eucharistic procession, or in a perpetual adoration chapel is “evidence that a community has celebrated the eucharist …” (242). Jesus is present in the Eucharist; he is our food for the journey of life.

Here is a moving quote that speaks of the Eucharist as the source of mission. Pope Benedict XVI says, “The love that we celebrate in the sacrament is not something we can keep to ourselves. By its very nature it demands to be shared with all” (84).

The Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives which calls us to go out, calls us to bring Jesus to others. To be authentically Christian AND to be fully alive is to live this call and be bridge builders of humanity. Only in this way is every hunger satisfied.

In this age of Pope Leo XIV, there is an emphasize on mission. We must be a people on mission. The Eucharist gives us the sustanence and center for what we need to be on mission. In his first Urbi et orbi, as he was presented to the world, Pope Leo XIV spoke to his Diocese of Rome. These sentiments to the Roman people can be sentiments for us, “Together, we must look for ways to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges and encourages dialogue, a Church ever open to welcoming.”

Christ always goes with us.

Let us be on our way!