Sunday Word for Pastoral Musicians SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST JUNE 18, 2017 “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” 1 Corinthians 10:16 Reflection “Do this in memory of me.” Once before, Jesus had asked his disciples to “do” what was so clear to him, in obedience to the will of the Father. Jesus said to the disciples in front of the tired and hungry crowds: “Give them something to eat yourselves” (Luke 9:13). Indeed, it is Jesus who blesses and breaks the loaves and provides sufficient food to satisfy the whole crowd, but it is the disciples who offer the five loaves and two fish. Jesus wanted it this way: that, instead of sending the crowd away, the disciples would put at his disposal what little they had. . . . Clearly this miracle . . . signals what Christ wants to accomplish for the salvation of all mankind, giving his own flesh and blood (cf. John 6:48–58). And yet this needs always to happen through those two small actions: offering the few loaves and fish which we have; receiving the bread broken by the hands of Jesus, and giving it to all. Breaking: this is the other word explaining the meaning of those words: “Do this in memory of me.” Jesus was broken; he is broken for us. And he asks us to give ourselves, to break ourselves, as it were, for others. This “breaking bread” became the icon, the sign for recognizing Christ and Christians. . . . From the outset it is the Eucharist which becomes the center and pattern of the life of the Church. . . . How many mothers, how many fathers, together with the slices of bread they provide each day on the tables of their homes, have broken their hearts to let their children grow, and grow well! How many Christians, as responsible citizens, have broken their own lives to defend the dignity of all, especially the poorest, the marginalized, and those discriminated! Where do they find the strength to do this? It is in the Eucharist: in the power of the Risen Lord’s love, who today too breaks bread for us and repeats: “Do this in memory of me.” Prayer May this action of the Eucharist respond to Jesus’ command. May it be an action to commemorate him; an action to give food to the crowds of today; an act to break open our faith and our lives as a sign of Christ’s love for this [place] and for the whole world. Pope Francis, excerpts from his homily for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood, 2016 St. John Lateran Basilica, Rome