Corpus et Sanguinis Christi

"Behold, I am with you all days, even unto the consummation of the world"

Today the Church rejoices in the great gift of the most Holy Eucharist. Before he ascended into Heaven to the right hand of the Father, Christ our Lord promised that he would not leave us orphans. And in truth, he has not, for he remains with us day and night in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. Ever waiting, he is there for one reason-- to be with us. In every Catholic church is fulfilled the ancient promise of God to dwell among men. Thus every Catholic church is truly the House of God and Gate of Heaven. In the tabernacle Christ is waiting for us. He waits for us to come and visit. He waits for us to tell him our trials and problems. He waits for us to tell him of our joys and happiness. He waits for us to tell him whatever we desire. He waits for us..... and more often than not, he is alone.

This great feast reminds us not only that Christ gave us the Eucharist to be our food, but also so that he could remain among us. He did not do this for himself. He did so for us. He has no need to be the Prisoner of the Tabernacle. But he is.

So often in our busy lives, going from here to there we pass by a church. Inside a dear friend is waiting. He doesn't ask that we stay for hours. A short visit will do. Dropping in to say "I'm thinking of you, dear Jesus. I just wanted to say hello and thank you for ......." And if we truly are pressed for time, a short aspiration such as "Blessed be Jesus Christ in the holy Sacrament of the Altar" lets him know we know he is there and are thinking of him.

The daily visit to the Blessed Sacrament was once a common practice. It was unheard of to pass by a church and not stop in, if only for a minute or two. Many Catholics made it a regular part of their prayer life. I know of many people who, if the doors to the church are locked or it is late at night, park in front of the church and make a visit from their car or the church steps. Archbishop Sheen let nothing get in the way of his daily appointment with our Lord. Neither should any of us.

Let us resolve to increase our visits to the Blessed Sacrament. Let us be mindful of Jesus who is a prisoner of love in the tabernacle and longs for a bit of company. He has given his very life for us. Can we not give some of our's back to him?