Become What You Receive

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJ
Receive Christ. Become Christ. Let the Eucharist transform your life
Reflection Date: June 22, 2025 The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Daily Readings: Genesis 14: 18-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 9: 11 b- 17

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Today, the Church invites us to celebrate one of the most sacred treasures of our faith, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi. It is a feast of gratitude, remembrance, and mission. Gratitude for the gift of the Eucharist, remembrance of Christ’s self-giving love, and mission to become what we receive.

In the first reading, we encounter Melchizedek, the priest-king of Salem, offering bread and wine and blessing Abram. This brief moment is rich with meaning. It’s more than a historical event; it’s a prophetic sign. Melchizedek points forward to Jesus, the eternal High Priest, who offers not just bread and wine, but His very Body and Blood to nourish and redeem us.

In St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, we hear the earliest written account of the Last Supper. “This is my body… This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” These are not symbolic words; they are sacramental, words that make real what they proclaim. In the Eucharist, we are not spectators. We are drawn into Christ’s sacrifice, into His love poured out.

And in the Gospel of Luke, we see the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. The disciples want to send the crowd away. But Jesus says, “You give them something to eat.” They offer five loaves and two fish, and Jesus multiplies it. This is not only a miracle of multiplication, but a lesson of participation. When we bring what little we have, our time, our talents, our brokenness, Christ transforms it into abundant grace.

This is what happens at every Mass. Jesus takes our ordinary offerings and gives us His extraordinary presence. The Eucharist is the heart of the Church, the source and summit of our Christian life.

But the Eucharist doesn’t end at the altar. It must continue in our lives. As we receive Jesus in the Eucharist, we are called to become Eucharist to be broken for others, poured out in love, and committed to service.

Call to Action: 

• How can I let the Eucharist I receive each Sunday shape my daily life, relationships, and choices throughout the week?
• In what ways is Jesus inviting me to “become Eucharist” for others, offering love, presence, and service to those in need?