Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

You are the bread of life!

You are the manna sent from heaven!

Without you, we are empty!

Fill us, nourish us, and sustain us!

We will have our fill and never go hungry!

You are our daily bread!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a

• God sent manna from heaven, how is this still true?
• One cannot live on bread alone, how does this apply to your life? What is the “bread” you live on?
• What does this scripture teach you about faith in God?

 1Corinthians 10:16-17

• One cannot live on bread alone, when you receive communion, how do you feel changed? Do you feel the same when you read God’s word?
• What cup of blessing do you hold today? How can you let this blessing overflow and be a blessing to others?

 John 6:51-58

• The sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross is the foundation of the Eucharist. What do you sacrifice when you come to the altar to receive Jesus’ Body and Blood?
• Describe how partaking in Jesus’ Body and Blood sustains you? What does it mean to you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What is the symbolism of the “hunger” we have in our lives in relation to God?
• How has God delivered you from slavery? What are you still a slave to in your life?  How can God help you become free?
• When you receive communion, you become a living tabernacle. How do others see Christ in you?
• What does God provide you in order to continue on the path of discipleship? What more do you need on your journey of faith?
• Which commandments are easy to follow? Which are difficult?  Why?
• Have you had desert experiences in your life? Can you look back and see God “feeding” you in those times?
• Identify a time when you were “parched”. How did this experience affect your faith?
• How do you see yourself as a part of the Body of Christ?
• What is your definition of Communion?
• What feelings or emotions are associated with hunger? How are they different than the emotions and feelings of being satisfied?
• How do the scriptures help you see how God feeds you? What can you do to be more aware of the food God supplies for your life?
• The Word Eucharist means Thanksgiving, how is the celebration of Mass like the Thanksgiving holiday?
• It is said, you are what you eat. What are some bad food choices you make?  How can God help you to make better choices?
• What are some good food choices you make? How do they improve your spirit?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Christ before me…

 ALL:  I praise YOU!

Leader:  Christ around me…

ALL:  I give you thanks!

Leader:  Christ beside me…

 ALL:  I am at peace!

Leader:  Christ within me…

ALL:  I am filled with joy!

Leader:  I am Christ to others…

ALL:  Let the feast begin!

 

 Challenge for the Week:  In the Catholic Church, the Mass is separated into two parts, the Liturgy of the WORD, reading the scripture and the Liturgy of the EUCHARIST, celebrating the Body and Blood of Jesus.  In both cases, we are consuming Christ.  During this time of COVID restrictions while churches were closed, we’ve had restricted access to the Body and Blood of Christ.  Though we can participate in the celebration of Mass virtually, we’ve not consumed the actual Body and Blood of Christ.  This is a time when we need to dive deeper into the WORD of God, the scriptures, the WORD made flesh in Jesus.  There are several ways to connect more deeply to the Scriptures on a daily basis to be filled.  You can read and meditate on a daily prayer book, get scripture verses sent to via text or email and you can journal or pray the rosary or a dozen other practices to help you connect and feel the abundance of Christ within you.  When you spend time reading, praying and allowing the WORD to marinate your soul, then you will know what it means to be filled with God’s WORD and be satisfied!