On this Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, we celebrate the awesome mystery of the Eucharist. As with last Sunday’s mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, the Eucharist is not something that can be proven logically, and we’ll only get a headache if we ponder too much on the “how,” or on the particulars of transubstantiation. Instead, on this day, let us celebrate not the “how” but the “why.” The Eucharist is Jesus’ promise of eternal life, a covenant with us that was ratified by his blood.
In today’s Gospel of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, we see Jesus offering thanks to God before blessing and sharing the fish and the bread with the multitude. The Eucharist (a name taken from the Greek word for “thanksgiving”) is a blessing of thanksgiving, offered within the context of Jesus’ ministry of preaching the Kingdom and curing the sick, and fulfilled ultimately by his selfless death on the Cross. As we pray in the first Mystery of Faith acclamation of the Eucharistic Prayer, when Catholics believe that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ:
We proclaim your Death, O Lord,
and profess your Resurrection
until you come again.
And so, until he comes again, may we eat and be satisfied in the Eucharist, which empowers us to continue Jesus’ ministry of preaching and healing. May our celebration of the Eucharist be a blessing of thanksgiving, even as we walk with him on the Way of the Cross.
Body and Blood Corpus Christi Entrance Antiphon He Fed Them with the Finest Wheat (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #117
The antiphon text from Psalm 81 underscores the miracle story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand in today’s Gospel.
Entrance Chant Table of Plenty (Dan Schutte)
Spirit & Song #233; Never Too Young #75; Breaking Bread #312
This beloved classic by Dan Schutte is a joyful invitation to the great feast of the Eucharist.
Responsorial Psalm You Are a Priest for Ever in the Line of Melchizedek (Scott Soper)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 248
Scott Soper’s verbatim setting of Psalm 110 responds directly to the story of Melchizedek in the First Reading.
Sequence (Optional) Corpus Christi Sequence (James Poppleton)
The Sequence (pre-Gospel song) is optional on this day. Those communities who wish to sing it will find this contemporary setting very accessible. You will find the sheet music in the link above.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Renewal (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 250
The verse text from John 6 is Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Bread of Angels (Curtis Stephan)
Breaking Bread #376
This lovely Eucharistic anthem is a thoughtful blending of old and new. Utilizing traditional text by St. Thomas Aquinas, Curtis also pays homage to the cherished “Panis Angelicus” by Cesar Franck.
Body and Blood Corpus Christi Communion Antiphon Whoever Eats My Flesh and Drinks My Blood (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #118
With official text drawn once again from John 6, this antiphon is a quote from Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist.
Communion Chant The Feast Meant for Everyone (Tom Booth and Sarah Hart)
Breaking Bread #366
A new contemporary song that is now in Breaking Bread, “The Feast Meant for Everyone” is a reminder to us of how everyone is called to the table of the Lord.
Sending Forth Grateful (Tom Tomaszek)
Spirit & Song #242; Never Too Young #140
Tom Tomazek’s popular song sends us forth from this liturgy to proclaim that Jesus’ gift of the Eucharist nourishes the world. We are grateful, indeed.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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