2026 Cycle A - Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ
Readings
Solemnity of the Body and Blood of ChristDeuteromony8:2-3, 14b-16a; Psalm 147: 12-15, 19 -20; 1Corinthians 10: 16-17; John 6: 51-58
Homily Theme
The Real Presence
Last week we discussed the mystery of the Holy Trinity, this week we celebrate the mystery of Christ’s Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist. Remember, mysteries can not be understood by mere human reason, that is why in the 6th chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus allows His first followers to leave Him when they can not accept that His flesh is real food and His blood is real drink. They walk away sad and follow Him no more. How many millions today have done the same thing? But, unfortunately, they are not sad when they walk away: Jesus is though.
The Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist has been a central and constant teaching of the Church since the time of the Apostles and was universally believed by all Christians. St. Paul taught it. 1st Corinthians 11:23-26 and also in today’s second reading. The original Reformers still kept this belief in the Real Presence including Luther, Henry VIII and Calvin, even after the Reformation. Jesus is still truly present in the Holy Eucharist when consecrated by a priest with apostolic succession. It is more than just a mental presence. It is the Real Presence of Jesus.
Why is it easier for some to believe that God became a real man but limit His power to become real food, without which we cannot receive His life? I do not understand how radiation is present in radioactive material. I cannot taste it, see it, or feel it, but I believe it is really present when science tells me so. I do not understand how the bread and the wine at Mass is Jesus who comes to us in a Real Presence but I believe it because He said so, and I trust His word. Do you?
If you were to witness blood dropping from the sacred host this Sunday would that make it easier for you to accept this miracle? That is what happened in Lancieto, Italy, in the 13th century. A priest raised it for adoration as it dripped blood on to the cloth under the chalice. This same blood stained corporal is still carried in procession through the streets of Orvieto to this day. I witnessed it in 1965 as the procession of the Blessed Sacrament was carried through the same streets among a great throng.
Pope Benedict will be processing with the sacred host through the streets of Rome this Corpus Christi and thousands will adore Jesus as He passes by them really present. This Sunday Jesus is waiting for you to come and adore and receive Him. He is in every Catholic Church where there is a priest in the line of Order Melchisedech to consecrate the bread and wine. Will you be there to adore Him and believe in His Real Presence? Remember, Jesus allowed those first followers to leave Him because they couldn’t accept it. He still allows them to leave today and they miss out on receiving Him in the Real Presence. See what He says about that in today’s Gospel. Show this homily to all former Catholics who have left the Church and the The Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist..