Solemnity of Corpus Domini - Year C
- Fr. Edward Vella
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
In June of the year 1997, I had the good fortune of meeting Saint Teresa of Calcutta, or as we know her, Mother Teresa. It was just a couple of months before she passed away, and she had come to Rome. I remember there was a Mass in one of the major churches in Rome, and she was present—this simple and saintly woman. There were many people, not only because of the Mass, but also to see—if only from a distance—this woman who, through her choices, had managed to challenge the whole world.
I remember that after the Mass I had the good fortune of shaking her hand, and she told me something simple. I confess that I’ve forgotten what she said, but I have never forgotten her face, which left such a deep impression on me: it impressed me because, even though it was the face of an elderly woman of 87 years—and the marks of time were clearly visible on it—it was still a beautiful face. I would even say, a heavenly face. I have never forgotten, and I hope I never forget, that experience.
I imagine that each one of us carries in our memory some past encounter with a famous or “important” person. Before people like that, we all feel different, and we certainly show great respect for those who have a special place in our hearts. We are always careful with how we speak and how we behave in their presence.
Today we are celebrating a feast that is very dear to us: that of Jesus in the Eucharist. I think each of us needs to ask ourselves a very important question: Do I truly believe that in the consecrated bread and wine there is the real presence of Jesus, in body, blood, soul, and divinity—true God and true man?And what does my behaviour show—when I enter the church and in how I act in church?How much respect do I show, not to a “special” human being, but to God Himself when I pass in front of the tabernacle or when I receive Him?
The Eucharist is the most important sacrament, but it is also a way of life. In the Eucharist, we truly meet and become one with Jesus, our greatest friend—who is God. But the Eucharist also means a lifestyle full of love, where, just as Jesus gives Himself for us on the cross and through this sacrament, we in turn give ourselves to others. Above all, the Eucharist is the sacrament of hope—the hope of eternal life.It is the sacrament that both gives us and expresses our faith—our trust—that because Jesus, through His resurrection, conquered death, then goodness, love, grace and life are already, even now, victorious over the evil in the world. And so we too, if we unite ourselves to Jesus through this sacrament, are also sharing in His eternal victory.If we truly believe this, the Eucharist must be a true source of joy in our lives.
Jesus, today, together with Saint George Preca, we want to tell You: “Thank You, Lord God, and forgive me, Lord God.”Thank You for this marvellous Sacrament, and forgive us for not appreciating enough this gift You offer us.Grant us the grace to taste Your goodness, as the Psalm tells us: “Taste and see how good the Lord is.” Amen.
