The Solemnity of Corpus Christi : readings for Sunday June 6, 2010

1st Reading, from the Book of Genesis, 14: 18-20
-Melchizedek Blesses Abram-

This reading narrates the rendezvous between Abram and King Melchizedek, after Abram's returned from war.

Despite the fact that the two men participating of this meeting were of great importance, their celebration was simple. Abram, returning from war as a hero, is a man who has everything: he has conquered the loot, the men, and has God on his side. His triumph is so overwhelming that, on top of keeping nothing for himself, he gives a tithe to the King. Melchizedek, a King who happens to be a priest as well, amazed at the humility of the man in front of him, decides to celebrate with a simple dinner.

And so it happens that two great men get together and, instead of an opulent celebration, all they partake is simple bread and wine. People of faith would dare to call this meeting as the precursor of Jesus' last supper, because Abram did not only receive an uncomplicated meal, but he also received a blessing from a representative of God's on earth.

We can learn from these two examples that extravagant celebrations not necessarily dignify an important meeting. The reason for a meeting and its participants are enough motivation to determine the relevance of a gathering. A pompous menu will not necessarily add importance to an engagement that is already brightened with the presence of people of goodwill.

May we be able to find peace, honor, and blessings in every simple celebration, from the one that takes place at the kitchen table to the one that takes place during the celebration of mass.

*****C**O**R**P**U**S*****C**H**R**I**S**T**I*****

2nd reading, from the 1 Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, 11: 23-26
-The Lord's Supper-

This fragment of Paul's letter addresses the importance of the meal upon which we honor our Lord Jesus Christ, because it is the sharing of this meal that we proclaim "the Lord's death until he comes."

I remember as a child, before every meal, Mother and the Grandparents saying "Did you wash your hands?" This was the rule and everyone had to follow it. No one dared to challenge the adult's instructions and every kid seating around the table had, not only sparkling hands but also a properly cleaned face. The hygienic rule of arriving clean to the table was also indication of respect towards the occasion of getting together as a family.

At the time when Paul wrote his letter, the people of Corinth had bigger problems than arriving to table with clean hands. The text of the letter stressed the importance of joining the Lord's table with a clean body that is paired up with a clean soul, because to God the exterior appearance is secondary to what happens in the interior of those participating of his supper.

May we remember to bring to the table, that which is important to God when we share his body and his blood.

*****C**O**R**P**U**S*****C**H**R**I**S**T**I*****

The Gospel according to Luke, 9: 11b - 17
-Jesus Feeds Five Thousand-

This portion of the Gospel narrates the day when, having finished preaching and healing the sick, Jesus and his disciples are followed by a multitude of people who refuses to leave them. The disciples panic when they hear Jesus' request to feed the multitude, as all they have is five loaves of bread and two fish.

Following Jesus instructions the disciples gather the people in groups of fifty each, so they can be properly fed. Jesus then says a prayer to God the Father, and a while later everyone is eating. With amazement the disciples discover that after feeding each and every person present, they still have 12 baskets filled with leftovers.

We are called to share what we have, from our talents to our richness. It is in sharing that we receive, it is in sharing that we feel complete and satisfied. Jesus taught us by leading us with his own example.

May we be able to listen to our Lord's call, so we can share our bounty with an open heart.