This is My Body

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi, is celebrated this year on June 11th.

As you know, the Latin term “Corpus Christi” translates into the English words “Body of Christ.”

Isn’t it interesting that the label ‘Body of Christ’ refers to both the Church and the Eucharist? This is not a mistake, rather it is a beautiful understanding of what unites the people of God to Christ.

Our understanding that the Church is not a building or even a visible organization goes as far back as the writings of Saint Paul. “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body . . . and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Cor 12:13-27)

What unites us and makes us the people of God is the Eucharist, which is Christ Himself. Christ is to the Church what the soul is to the body.

When the priest holds up the consecrated host, he says, “Behold the Lamb of God.” It is something we can see. What we see with our senses alone is only the appearances of bread and wine.

The Eucharist is not a symbol or a ceremonial liturgy. Jesus did not say, “This resembles My Body.” Rather, He said, “This IS My Body.” We believe that because Christ is God, and God always speaks the truth.

The Eucharist is Christ Himself. Jesus said, “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life.” (Jn 6:51-59)

This passage not only provides us with the significance of the Eucharist, but it also indicates Jesus’ ability to proclaim the truth even when faced with criticism for His words. Instead of backtracking and saying something akin to, “That is not what I meant.” He instead strengthened His public statement about the Eucharist being His

Este es mi Cuerpo

Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, La Solemnidad del Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo, también conocida como Corpus Christi, este año se celebrará el 11 de junio.

El término latino Corpus Christi, como usted sabe, se traduce a las palabras en español Cuerpo de Cristo.

¿No es interesante que el título “Cuerpo de Cristo” se refiere tanto a la Iglesia como a la Eucaristía? Esto no es un error, sino una hermosa comprensión de lo que une al pueblo de Dios a Cristo.

Body and Blood by declaring, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood, you do not have life within you.” (Jn 6:53)

We know that “as a result of this, many of His disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied Him.” (Jn 6:66)

Jesus reinforced this teaching on Holy Thursday at the Institution of the Eucharist and again at what has been referred to as the “Second Mass” on that first Easter Sunday on the road to Emmaus.

Do not be disheartened if you still struggle with understanding Jesus being really and truly present in the Eucharist. Faith is a gift. And much like the disciples journeying on the road to Emmaus, Jesus’ presence may be hidden from you. Pray to have that faith strengthened.

Sometimes, Jesus conceals His presence among us to challenge us to deepen our faith in Him and in His enduring presence among us in both Word and Sacrament. But dear brothers and sisters, once we do recognize Him and encounter the power of His presence, most of all in the Holy Eucharist, we, like those first disciples, are called to go forth and tell others so that they might believe that Jesus is real; that He is alive; that He is truly risen, and that He continues to make Himself, and the redeeming grace He won for us present in so many ways!

Have a blessed and safe summer. Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Michael R. Cote Bishop of Norwich

Nuestro entendimiento de que la Iglesia no es un edificio o incluso una organización visible se remonta a los escritos de San Pablo “Hemos sido bautizados en el único Espíritu para que formáramos un solo cuerpo, ya fuéramos judíos o griegos, esclavos o libres. Y todos hemos bebido del único Espíritu…Ustedes son el cuerpo de Cristo y cada uno en su lugar es parte de él. (1 Corintios 12:13-27)

Lo que nos une y nos hace pueblo de Dios es la Eucaristía, que es Cristo mismo. Cristo es a la Iglesia lo que el alma es al cuerpo.

Cuando el sacerdote levanta la hostia consagrada, dice: “He aquí el Cordero de Dios”. Es CONTINÚA EN LA PÁGINA 4 >>> algo que podemos ver. Lo que vemos con nuestros sentidos es solo la apariencia del pan y el vino.

La Eucaristía no es un símbolo ni una liturgia ceremonial. Jesús no dijo: “Esto se parece a Mi Cuerpo”. Más bien, dijo: “Este es mi cuerpo”. Creemos eso porque Cristo es Dios, y Dios siempre dice la verdad.

La Eucaristía es Cristo mismo. Jesús dijo: “El que come mi carne y bebe mi sangre tiene vida eterna”. (Juan 6:51-59)

Este pasaje no solo nos brinda el significado de la Eucaristía, sino que también indica la capacidad de Jesús para proclamar la verdad incluso cuando enfrenta críticas por sus palabras. En lugar de retroceder y decir algo como: "Eso no es lo que quise decir". En cambio, reforzó su declaración pública acerca de que la Eucaristía es Su Cuerpo y Sangre al declarar: “Amén, amén, en verdad les digo que si no comen la carne del Hijo del hombre y no beben su sangre, no tienen vida en ustedes.” (Juan 6:53)

Sabemos que “A partir de entonces muchos de sus discípulos se volvieron atrás y dejaron de seguirle.”.

(Juan 6:66)

Jesús reforzó esta enseñanza el Jueves Santo en la Institución de la Eucaristía y nuevamente en lo que se ha denominado la “Segunda Misa” en ese primer Domingo de Pascua en el camino a Emaús. No se desanime si todavía le cuesta entender que Jesús está real y verdaderamente presente en la Eucaristía. La fe es un regalo. Y al igual que los discípulos que iban por el camino a Emaús, la presencia de Jesús puede estar oculta para usted. Ore para que esa fe se fortalezca.

A veces Jesús oculta Su presencia para desafiarnos a profundizar nuestra fe en Él y en Su presencia perdurable entre nosotros tanto en la Palabra como en el Sacramento. Por eso, queridos hermanos y hermanas, una vez que lo reconozcamos y encontremos el poder de Su presencia, sobre todo en la Sagrada Eucaristía, nosotros, al igual que aquellos primeros discípulos, estamos llamados a salir y decir a los demás para que crean que Jesús es real; que Él está vivo; que Él verdaderamente resucitó, y que Él continúa en sí mismo y en la gracia redentora que ganó para nosotros ¡haciéndose presente de tantas maneras!.

Que tenga un verano bendecido y seguro, Sinceramente en el amor de Cristo,

Dear readers,

I am excited to share with you the latest issue of the Four County Catholic magazine, which highlights ways to grow in faith during the summer months and also features a fascinating cover story by Deacon Ben LoCasto on Clown David, a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College graduate. David's story is a unique one. His journey from Judaism to Roman Catholicism is a testament to the power of faith and the unexpected ways in which God can touch our lives. We hope that his story will inspire you and remind you of the many different paths that lead us to Christ.

The second phase of the Eucharistic Revival launches on June 11, the Feast of Corpus Christi. It is a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist and the Real Presence of Christ among us. Bishop Michael R. Cote reflects on this solemnity, while unpacking Catholic teaching on the Real Presence.

Summertime can also be a wonderful opportunity to grow in faith. Inside these pages are articles that feature ideas for activities that can help us deepen our spiritual lives while enjoying the beauty of nature and the joys of summer. From prayer walks to outdoor Masses, to reading spiritual books together, there are many ways to make the most of the season while also growing in faith.

For couples, Mary-Jo McLaughlin explores the importance of spending quality time together and nurturing our relationships in the context of our faith. She offers tips and advice for planning summer dates that can help us grow closer to each other and to God.

For parents, we understand that summertime can be a challenging time to balance work, childcare, and other responsibilities. However, it can also be a wonderful time to create meaningful memories and traditions with our children that can last a lifetime. Our special correspondent, Andrea DePaola, offers ideas for family activities that can help parents make the most of the summer months while also nurturing your child or grandchild’s faith.

As we approach Aug. 15, we reflect on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. This is an important feast day for Catholics around the world as we celebrate the belief that Mary was taken up into heaven, body and soul, after the end of her earthly life. Morgan Martens offers insights into the significance of this feast day and how it can help us grow in our understanding of the role of Mary in our faith, our daily lives and throughout the Eucharistic Revival.

We hope that this summertime issue of the Four County Catholic will be a source of inspiration and encouragement for all of our readers. May it help you to deepen your faith and your relationship with Christ, as well as encourage you to seek out new ways to grow in your spiritual journey. Please be sure to share this issue with family and friends.

While you are at it, please send feedback to Communications@ NorwichDiocese.net and prayers for our team to God.

Sincerely,

Michael R. Cote Obispo de Norwich