Solemnity of Corpus Christi

by Fr. Jerome Cayetano  |  06/07/2026  |  The WORD in other words

Food is an essential element in life in order to survive and to be energized. Jesus understood this when He compares Himself as the "living bread from heaven". He says: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." The Jews quarreled among themselves because they didn't understand what He was trying to tell them.

The flesh and blood that He is going to give as our food and drink will happen during mystery of "Transubstantiation,” when this simple bread and wine turn into the real and actual body and blood of Christ, meant as our food as we journey through life for the Kingdom of God. This is precisely why we have this Solemnity of Corpus Christi in order for us to acknowledge and proclaim it in faith.

We encounter Jesus as our bread of life every time we celebrate the Mass. Why do we have to attend the Mass every Sunday and on holiday of obligation?

1. We join the faith community. Our faith needs to be expressed together with the community. We receive support from fellow believers; joining together in praise, songs and prayers help us to realize that we are not alone in our spiritual journey. We are a pilgrim Church journeying together towards the Kingdom of God.
2. We receive forgiveness. We admit our faults and mistakes, and receive God's forgiveness and mercy which heals and restores our relationship with Him. Thus, it disposes us to receive Christ's body and blood in communion. However, if we have grave and mortal sins, we have to avail ourselves of the sacrament of Confession first.
3. We witness a miracle. The bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit during "Epiclesis". In Communion, we receive Jesus completely - body, soul and divinity.
4. We receive guidance through the Word of God proclaimed before us, and through the homily of the priest or deacon. The Word proclaimed and the homily are meant for our spiritual direction. We have to listen with understanding, so it can properly guide us in our daily lives.
5. We pray. We are given the opportunity to pray not only for ourselves, but for the needs of the universal Church. Thus, we are able to practice charity and love.
6. We are filled with the peace of Christ. Before Communion, Jesus gives us his peace and shalom. This peace is truly felt when we get rid of our resentment, bitterness and unforgiveness before we go to Mass. We have to be reconciled with our brothers and sisters to experience completely the peace of Christ.
7. We receive a special blessing. God blesses us through his priest, and he commissions us to live the Mass/ Eucharist in our daily life. We are advised not to leave the church without the blessing.
8. We are called to praise, magnify and glorify God. Indeed, God is worthy of our praise through our songs and instruments, needless to say, our love and devotion.

Let us be mindful of all these things, most especially as we celebrate the solemnity of Corpus Christi.