See, I am laying in Zion a foundation stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: One who trusts will not panic (Isa 28:16).
See, I am laying in Zion a stone that will make people stumble, a rock that will make them fall. And whoever believes in him will not be put to shame (Rom 9:33).
See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame ( 1 Pet 2:6).
We know that this cornerstone is none other than Jesus Christ. Also we know that those who trust in him will never be put to shame. It was through his cross – considered a stumbling block by Jews and foolishness by Gentiles (1 Cor 1:23) that Jesus transformed out shame into eternal glory. It was our Lord’s promise that he will be with us to the end of the age. And he physically fulfilled his promise by giving us his body and blood as true food and drink in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and later confirmed it spiritually on the day of Pentecost.
We should thank our Lord for having given us such a precious and unique gift that not all in this world are entitled to receive. The feast of Corpus Christy is perhaps the best occasion to express our gratitude towards the merciful Lord.
But to truly appreciate the value and uniqueness of the Holy Eucharist, we need the help of Holy Spirit. Otherwise we run the risk of falling on this stone called Christ or it falling on us. In either case the result is same!
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone…..The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls ( Mt 21:42-44, Lk 20:17-18).
Jesus knew that his teachings about his body and blood being given as food and drink for us offended his disciples and that they were complaining about it (Jn 6:61). But Jesus stood his ground by reiterating that no one could come to him unless it is granted by the Father (Jn 6:65). As for those who could not accept his teaching, Jesus wished them to leave him ( Jn 6:67) rather than compromising in his teaching.
There were a few who were not blessed to grasp the true teaching about the bread of eternal life that came directly from the lips of the one who became Holy Eucharist in cross. When we read that ‘because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him’ it is interesting to note that the number of this verse is 6:66 and that John uses a similar number somewhere else (Rev 13:18), this time to describe the number of the antichrist. John adds that wisdom is needed to know the hidden meaning of this number.
No doubt, those who oppose, deny, mock, or defile the Holy Eucharist will end up in the camp of the antichrist. We have before us the bread that gives eternal life and the chalice that offers eternal salvation. Let us receive it, receive it everyday. Remember that the day when this regular burnt offering is taken away and an abomination that desolates is set up in the temple ( Dan 9:27, 12:11) is not far away. So, let us walk in the eternal light of Jesus who accompanies us in the Blessed Sacrament. Let us gather from it the strength to withstand those evil days.
Wish you all a very blessed Feast of Corpus Christy.
