Corpus Christi

Five years since my baptism. Five years as a Catholic. And I don’t have a faintest idea the significance of Corpus Christi. I think I probably avoided missed all the previous four years Corpus Christi masses. *blushes* Or maybe I did celebrate the mass but it didn’t register in my little brain.

I am on duty to take care of the OHP and when I am on OHP duty, the only moment when I don’t need to concentrate on the hymns and readings and whatnots, like watching the cue from the priest, the cantors, the pianist, the commentator *more excuses* is during the homily. And concentrated I did because I really want to share on my blog what Corpus Christi is.

I took notes but now, I cannot remember what I jot down. *sad* What is grace? I cannot remember how the priest said it but it is totally beautiful. I have never seen my role in God’s plan so marvellous as what the priest described.

For a moment, I stopped feeling guilty that I miscue with some of the slides earlier. (my stupid mistake to see 16 as 11) I realised that it is ok to be stupid sometimes because we have yet to become wise. Of course, the priest did not say ‘it is ok to be stupid’ but he said something about how we can draw life from the Eucharist. And I was also reminded of the little boy with a five loaves and two fishes whom Jesus multiply for the crowd of 5,000.

“As I, who am sent by the living Father, myself draw life from the Father, so whoever eats me will draw life from me.”

(part of John 6:51-58)

And indeed I am lifeless sometimes. I do not know what I am doing, why I am doing some things and why I ended up feeling this way and etc etc. Suddenly, I understand why when I drag myself, very reluctantly to church, I always come out feeling a lot better.

Father Fabian reminded us about the last few weeks of Catholic celebrations, from Pentecost to Holy Trinity and now, Corpus Christi. He reminded us that today is the day when we can experience the visible sign of God’s unconditional love for us. He talked about the importance of moving from our self-centred person to concern for others.

This is the very heart and soul of the Christian ritual, i.e. being unselfish. It is a big challenge to all of us. Can we, like Jesus Christ, shed His blood for others? It takes some deep reflections, and I admit that sometimes, I do fall into that trap of doing things partially. I recalled my confession that I like running away from God.

Father Fabian also gently prod and say that one can become a devout Catholic and yet, self-centred. We may even be so devout and self-centred that it obscures our views and did not allow us to reach out.

He said that God only requires one thing from us. Only one? What’s that? Our cooperation. The willingness to allow God to take, bless, break and give. As far as I can understand, in order for us Christians to be part of Christ, eat His body and drink His blood, we have to accept the callings from God, accept His blessings, face the trials (as in brokenness) and we have to give ourselves to serve Him.

We have a procession after thanksgiving and Danneil took over the OHP duty so that I can join the parishioners in the procession in the church compound to the church hall. It is a pity that I didn’t bring my camera along because the sky at dusk was beautiful and the sight of the blessed sacrament and the procession would have been breathtaking.

It is a sombre procession and I use the time during the slow walk to recollect my role in the family, both extended and my own siblings side. How scary it is that both hubby and I, being the youngest in our respective families, are going to carry the burdens of watching our much older siblings, ailing and dying. I am going through them right now (bro-in-law in late stage cancer) and I guess it is something I have to get used to.

I pray that God will continue to give both of us good health so that we can be the pillar of strength to our hosts of nephews and nieces and also support for the ailing siblings. I feel happy that inspite of our humble home, my children are all growing up well and becoming decent young adults. There is nothing that I need to pray for except that our own little family continues to live with Christ’s guidance.

Father Fabian said a beautiful prayer, taken from Romans.

Romans 12:9-13

Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil
cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal,
but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction
faithful in prayer.
Share with God’s people who are in need.
Practice hospitality.

At the end of it, I still cannot explain what is Corpus Christi but I do know that receiving the Holy Eucharist carries more significance now. I can draw Life from Him when I feel mine is insignificant.

P/S : Actually, I did celebrate mass on Corpus Christi in 2007 but I was in Risen Christ. If I didn’t blog it, it will be forgotten.

Tags: corpus christi, holy eucharist, jesus christ