Corpus Christi: The Food that Transforms and Binds Us in Community

Introduction

(Corpus Christi)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, good morning!

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, that is, the celebration of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is truly present in the Sacrament of the new and eternal Covenant, living memorial of His redeeming sacrifice.  He is the living Bread come down from heaven, who gives life to men and women. 

On the cross, He gave His flesh for the life of the world.  And so we declare in faith: “We adore You devoutly, O Godhead unseen, who truly lie hidden under the appearance of Bread and Wine.”

        Please rise for the entrance hymn!

Prayers of the Faithful

(Corpus Christi)

(Priest):                        Let us pray to God the Father, that through His Son Jesus, the Bread of Life, He may nourish the hunger of his people. Full of confidence, we pray:

“Nourish Your people, Lord”

(Reader):

·       That the Church, the People of God, may remain faithful to the Paschal Mystery of Christ, so that the Eucharist may ever become a communion with Christ and with one another in unity and loving service.  We pray: (R)

·       That the heavenly Father may give His children their “daily bread,” which includes their spiritual nourishment through the Body of Christ in the Eucharist.  We pray: (R)

·       That the men and women may not just seek after what satisfies hunger and thirst, but also the food that gives eternal life, the Body of Christ.   We pray: (R)

·       That our Eucharistic meal may inspire in us, love that seeks the happiness of others, communion that desires reconciliati0n and unity, and joy that anticipates the happiness of the heavenly banquet.  We pray: (R)

·       That we may recognize the Body of Christ in the Eucharist but also in our brothers and sisters, so that we can wait on each other and avoid discrimination in our community.  We pray: (R)

(Priest):                        God our Father, may our worship of the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Your Son help us to experience His salvation and win for us the happiness of Your kingdom, where You live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.