This is my Body

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) Year B - 6th June 2021

Gospel Mark 14: 12–16; 22–26

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was sacrificed, his disciples said to Jesus, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city and you will meet a man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him, and say to the owner of the house which he enters, “The Master says: ‘Where is my dining room in which I can eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large upper room furnished with couches, all prepared. Make the preparations for us there.” The disciples set out and went to the city and found everything as he had told them, and prepared the Passover.

As they were eating he took some bread, and when he had said the blessing he broke it and gave it to them. “Take it,” he said, “this is my body”. Then he took a cup, and when he had returned thanks he gave it to them, “This is my blood, the blood of the covenant, which is to be poured out for many. I tell you solemnly, I shall not drink any more wine until the day I drink the new wine in the kingdom of God.”

After psalms had been sung they left for the Mount of Olives.

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

I settle myself, and place any concerns and desires into the Lord’s hands so that I can focus all my attention on this time with him. I ask for the guidance of the Spirit as I read the Gospel passage slowly a few times.

If it helps, I may like to place myself in the scene; either as one of the disciples, sitting at the table with Jesus, or as a bystander looking on, curious to see what is happening.

I notice the table set for the Passover meal and smell the aroma of the food. I watch as Jesus blesses, then breaks, the bread and see him share the bread and wine with everyone there.

I imagine Jesus speaking directly to me as he says: ‘Take it, this is my body ... this is my blood’. I notice the tone of his voice and the look in his eyes as he offers it to me.

Perhaps I ponder what his words mean. I notice how I am feeling.

What might I want to say to Jesus, to the one who freely offered his life for me, for every one of us? I speak to him now from my heart.

When I feel ready, I finish with a prayer of my choice.

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