Solemnity of The Body and Blood of Christ

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

You are the promise of salvation.

You are the blood shed for sin.

There is no one who loves more;

        who would sacrifice for the sake of all.

Make me your tabernacle, Lord!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 24:3-8

• What is the significance of signing in blood/sealing the covenant in blood? What meaning does it have today?
• What covenant do you have with God? Is it the same one as the Israelites? How well do you keep your side of the promise?
• How is this gathering like people gathering in church on Sunday?  What are the similarities?  Can you list at least three?

Hebrews 9:11-15

• Imagine yourself in this scripture? Where are you?
• What are the dead works in your life? How can you begin to cleanse yourself of these obstacles?

Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

• What significance is there that the man the disciples found was carrying a jar of water? Is there any at all?
• What do you know of Passover?  What preparations are needed?
• When Jesus took the bread, He said the blessing AND when He took the cup, He gave thanks. What should you do to follow in Jesus’ footsteps? What was the last thing you thanked God for?

General Questions for Journaling

• What does the blood signify in these scriptures? 
• What does blood have to do with life? With death? How is this also true in your spiritual life?
• How do you celebrate the “new covenant” Jesus gave; eternal salvation? How do live it out at home? At work? In church? 
• What if your dead works were as visible as the dead heads on a rose bush? Are you sure they aren’t? 
• Jesus shed His blood for you; have you shed anything for Him?
• Does the consumption of Jesus’ body and blood have conditions or expectations?
• Do you feel differently when you receive communion? 
• How does receiving Jesus in the Eucharist change you? Share a specific example.
• Do you believe it is Jesus’ body and blood you receive when you go to communion? 
• How do you show reverence to Jesus in the Eucharist?  (Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ and means thanksgiving)
• Define tabernacle.
• What is the definition of a sacrifice? Is it a true sacrifice when there is not blood? What about when you sacrifice your time for the sake of another or sacrifice your “at bat” for the good of the team?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When one life begins and another one ends…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader:  When a door is closed and another is cracked open…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader:  When each season ends to welcome the next one in…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader: When the darkness of night is overcome by the light of a new day…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Leader:  When you give yourself as an offering…

ALL:  Lord, may I always be open to all you have to give.

Challenge for the Week:  When you receive Jesus in Holy Communion, how do you live your life knowing Jesus is a part of you?  Do you acknowledge that as a fact and set your mind to live with the understanding that Jesus is within you?  Or do you nonchalantly consume Jesus without paying any mind to the great gift you have just been given.  Even starting from before you receive communion, what is your mindset about what you are about to do?  Are you in the moment or simply going through the motions?  Father Ron Rolheiser says that to receive the Eucharist is to receive a kiss from God.  Take some time this week to read through the second reading again and reflect on it.  Then pray a prayer of thanks for all God has given to you.