The Holy Eucharist: Sacrifice, Communion, Presence – Jun 22 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jun 22, 2025, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, where he explains the Holy Eucharist's significance as Jesus' sacrifice, communion, and presence.

Father delivers a profound reflection on the Holy Eucharist, emphasizing its role as the greatest sacrament due to its embodiment of Jesus Himself. He highlights three key aspects: sacrifice, communion, and presence. The Eucharist re-presents Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, as instituted at the Last Supper when Jesus said, “This is my body, which will be given up for you. Do this in memory of me” Luke 22:19. This act of anamnesis, or remembrance, mirrors the Jewish Passover, making God’s saving work present today Exodus 12:14. Father contrasts anamnesis with amnesia, citing the Pharaoh’s forgetting of Joseph, which led to Egypt’s downfall Exodus 1:8, warning that forgetting Christ’s sacrifice darkens our spiritual lives. Communion signifies unity, as St. Paul notes, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not communion in the blood of Christ?” 1 Corinthians 10:16, and Jesus prayed for oneness John 17:21. Only those in full communion with the Church, living in a state of grace, may receive it, as taught by the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) in paragraphs 1385 and 1415. Jesus’ presence fulfills His promise, “I am with you always” Matthew 28:20, and is uniquely real in the Eucharist CCC 1373. Father urges believers to approach the Eucharist with faith, avoiding indifference that hurts Christ John 6:53-56.

For Further Reading

Luke 22:19 - NAB - Institution of the Eucharist - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/22?19
Exodus 12:14 - NAB - Passover as a Memorial - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/12?14
Exodus 1:8 - NAB - Pharaoh’s Forgetting of Joseph - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/1?8
1 Corinthians 10:16 - NAB - Communion in Christ’s Body - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/10?16
John 17:21 - NAB - Jesus’ Prayer for Unity - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/17?21
Matthew 28:20 - NAB - Christ’s Everlasting Presence - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/28?20
John 6:53-56 - NAB - Eating Christ’s Flesh - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?53
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1373 - Eucharistic Presence of Christ - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a3.htm#1373
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1385 - Worthy Reception of Eucharist - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a3.htm#1385
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1415 - State of Grace Required - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a3.htm#1415

00:00 - Introduction
00:31 - Eucharist’s Greatness
00:56 - Sacrifice Aspect
01:44 - Anamnesis and Passover
03:11 - Amnesia’s Dangers
05:33 - Communion Aspect
07:46 - Eucharistic Belief
10:08 - Presence Aspect

Ave Maria!

Mass: Corpus Christi (C) - Solemnity
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062225.cfm
1st: gen 14:18-20
Resp: psa 110:1-4
2nd: 1co 11:23-26
Gsp: luk 9:11-17

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1896

Also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Aeo74pfcj/
and YouTube: https://youtu.be/17VoihDOQnA