Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Corpus Christi Sunday (C), 2 June 2013


1.    Readings: Gen. 14:18-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; Lk. 9:11-17

2.    Biblical Reflection
The readings of the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ  reflect on the meal that gives partakers a new horizon, a feast where all participants are called upon to adhere to instructions in order to reap benefit. The feast is offered without charge. Those who collaborate with the instructions given will eat their fill and even have remnants for the future.

·       The Genesis episode exalts the sharing, charity, and generosity provoked by the sight of those in need, irrespective of their origin or orientation in life.

·       Paul’s address to the community of Corinth is based on the realities he encounters: strong division, dissensions, disagreements, classism, and factionalism. Such scandals as these fostered discord in the community. However, sharing during Eucharist combats the discord and division and enhances self- giving for the benefit of others, as Jesus had modeled.

·       The multiplication of bread in the Gospel signifies to us Jesus’ never-ending gift, which is there for all and of which all will eat and drink their fill without finishing up others’ share. This nourishment must be received in faith in order to satisfy and heal partakers.  The implication for Christians today is that to be in communion with the gift of Christ, one must be ready to share material and share bread with others. This Eucharistic feast, this breaking of bread, is incompatible with division, wrangles, or vices.

3.    Yes, Kenya Matters

·       In Kenya today, many people go to church for various needs:
-        some only to accompany their families;
-        children mainly because they have something to present in church or to take part in;
-        a couple together because one of them is an official of the church or of some group, and they have to set the example of a good family, and so the other is forced to be present;
-        others, however, who go there for true worship, to break bread and share with other believers, to be nourished and energized, and to counteract the daily obstacles to genuine faith.

·       Kenyans are going through tough socio-political and economic times. Many would-be good Christians are forced into bearing bad Christian witness. Mistrust, infidelity, and individualism crop up fast and disintegrate social institutions, families, welfare groups, and worship groups. Grabbing from others has suddenly become the order of the day. The appetite to destroy others so that one can shine and have no competitor in the field poses a challenge to Christians. Misusing office for individual benefit and taking advantage of the powerlessness, ignorance, and inability of others have become prevalent.   Mindless personal gain at the expense of others is being promoted.

·       Today’s Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ challenges the conscience of every Kenyan to adopt the spirit of self-giving and sacrifice for the good of others and to care about the welfare of others just as Jesus did, so that all have enough and the leftovers benefit others in the community. This feast calls for the eradication of greedy and individualistic attitudes in order for Christians to be hospitable and accommodating to others, helping others to fulfill their needs. Bread and wine was offered to nourish a sojourner: to Abram by Melkisedek and to the disciples by Jesus. We are sojourners together and we need to care for each other and share the bread that we have in order to keep each other strong for the journey.

4.    Link With Catholic Social Teaching

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the reception of the body and blood of Christ nourishes and sustains believers to new life amidst all odds. It strengthens witnesses to be true disciples in order to bear true witness of faith (CCC 1396-8).[1]  In the Eucharist, the reconciling sacrifice of Christ recreates the community as a family through mutual forgiveness and acceptance. In this sacrifice set by Christ, all are invited to live a life of service and dedication to others.

·       The celebration of this feast addresses and challenges our attitudes, our way of thinking and our concrete choices. It should overhaul the old life of slavery lived only for oneself, enclosed in gain, success, and comfort, and often dominated by selfishness and insensitivity to the cry of others.

·       To share bread is to become instruments of peace, communion, and reconciliation, to break the barriers among peoples and, by making gestures of charity and service, to make common cause with those who suffer.

5.    African Wisdom

·       People are good because of their deeds to the clan.
·       One who walks with hungry friends soon learns the shame of hunger.

* CSDC: “Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church” Paulines Publication Africa
   CCC: Catechism of the Catholic Church.
   Outlines prepared by a Consolata team and edited by a team of RSCK-JPIC.


[1] http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c1a3.htm 1396. The unity of the Mystical Body: the Eucharist makes the Church. Those who receive the Eucharist are united more closely to Christ. Through it Christ unites them to all the faithful in one body - the Church. Communion renews, strengthens, and deepens this incorporation into the Church, already achieved by Baptism. In Baptism we have been called to form but one body. The Eucharist fulfills this call: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread…"