Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Corpus Christi 2021  

Do this in memory of me.

There are many levels to the commandment. The most obvious is the call to gather and celebrate Eucharist, the Lord's supper. It's what Christians have done from the first centuries. They would gather and share agape a love-feast; we might call it a pot luck dinner. Each would bring what they could; they would share. We are told nobody went without.

Then they would celebrate the Eucharist as we know it, the Jewish scriptures,

the stories of Jesus, or the apostles' letters. Indeed our second reading is one such letter from Paul. The gospels were initially an oral tradition then written down and then came the breaking of the bread. Only those who belonged shared the bread.

This sharing wasn't isolated, not simply ceremonial. It had to continue outside that celebration so that, as we learn, no one in the community was in need. It becomes apparent this was not a religious ritual separate from real life. This was a transformative experience; it transformed real life.

If the mass is only a ritual disconnected from life, it will be irrelevant; it will be pretty superficial. Our ancestors came to participate in the sacrifice of the mass. They knew that this one sacrifice of Christ became present on the altar, and they were inspired by it to try again. They joined their struggle to his sacrifice, not only their heroic faithfulness but also their sinfulness. They knew they needed his grace, that conversion wasn't over yet, and still a work in progress.

How has Eucharist changed your values, attitudes, relationship with the parish, community, and world? This is my body given up for you, do this in memory of me!

With Love and Blessings,

Fr Damian

St. Margaret Church           https://venue.streamspot.com/85b923a3  

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Please remember that masks are required at all times while on the church grounds. This is not only for the safety of our visitors but also our priests and worship team.