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Sunday Reflection with Fr Robin Gibbons: Corpus Christi - 7th June 2015


I find it fascinating that this feast is one that has no direct link with the Eastern Church at all and is a reflection of developing medieval piety in the Roman tradition at one period of history. The ancient Church in both East and West has always had high theology of the Eucharistic elements, both traditions regard them as the Body and Blood of the Lord present in the form of bread and wine and both acknowledge that the primary purpose of the Holy Eucharist is for the fulfillment of the Lord's command to 'take this and eat', 'take this and drink' and 'do this in memory of me!'

The origins of Corpus Christi came from a time when reception of Holy Communion was infrequent and reception of the Chalice (except by the priest-celebrant) was non-existent. As always the Church allowed the flourishing of a strong and vibrant love of the 'Blessed Sacrament' in which the spiritual presence of Christ in the elements was an object of veneration for the faithful.

But this form of devotional and pious custom always needs to be connected to good theology and good liturgical practice, that is why the Gospel of Mark for this feast pulls us back into the origins of what we celebrate. Here we see Jesus in his Jewish context, where the Passover motif is strong, where the paschal lamb is not only the sacrificial victim but is also the deliverer from death and sin.

It is a feast where Jesus offers food and gives it a new meaning, but it is also a Jewish context. The bread, blessed and broken and the cup shared around are quite clearly for eating and drinking by all who are present. This is a strong reminder that we are called to fulfill the Lords command and take part in the Eucharist receiving both gifts taken, blessed and consecrated. St John Chrysostom writes that they are given to us for the 'life of the world'.

The fact that we celebrate our faith in the Holy Eucharist and the abiding presence of Christ in these gifts is a cause for rejoicing. If it manifests itself in devotional processions and acts of adoration then that clearly expresses the joy at the heart of our religious journey. Nevertheless this is a feast that takes us to the origin and source of our Eucharist. We eat and drink, proclaiming the Lord's death and resurrection until He comes again!


Fr Robin Gibbons is an Eastern Rite Chaplain for the Melkite Greek Catholics in Great Britain.

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