The Gift of Memory!
Human beings have a remarkable and fascinating ability – the power of
memory. Our capacity to remember shapes our experiences, informs our
understanding, and nurtures our connections with one another and the divine.
Attending Mass is a profound expression of our faith and the love that unites us
with God. As we gather for Mass, we enter a sacred space that reminds us of
God’s lasting love. Our participation in the Eucharist, allows us to remember and
give thanks. The words of St. Paul in the second reading take on a deeper
meaning in this context: “I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you,
that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he
had given thanks, broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in
remembrance of me.'” The call to remember is more than just a call to reflect; it is
a profound connection to the living history of our faith.
Today’s celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi reminds us of this special
connection. This feast honors the Body and Blood of Christ, acknowledging the
living memory and loving presence of Jesus within the Church, especially in the
Eucharist. It inspires us to value the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and the
lasting effect of His love in our lives. As a result, taking the Eucharist is more
than just a physical act – it’s a deeply personal moment of connection with Christ
and the Church, a community of believers. In this context, attending Mass and
participating in the Eucharist holds profound importance. When we partake in this
sacred meal, we actively “proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.” This
proclamation reminds us not only of what Christ has done for us but also of what
we are called to share with the world. By remembering Christ’s sacrifice, we
affirm our commitment to live out His teachings and embody His love. The act of
remembrance we practice during Mass acts as a catalyst for reflection on our
lives and our relationships. As we remember God’s love, we also engage in the
vital work of reflecting that love in our actions and interactions with others.
Dear brothers and sisters, the remarkable ability of human memory enriches
our experience of faith. The feast of Corpus Christi honors not only the gift of the
Eucharist but also invites us to engage deeply with the memories of our faith and
their implications for our daily lives. As Blessed Carlos Acutis said, “The more
Eucharist we receive, the more we will become like Jesus, so that on earth we
will have a foretaste of heaven.” Through this Sacred Sacrament, we are
reminded of our connection to Christ and one another, empowering us to live in a
way that honors that connection and spreads divine love.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor