St. Thomas ŕ Becket Foundation 
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25th May, 2008
Theme:      The Body and Blood of Christ  
Thought:    ‘I am the Bread of Life.  Do this in memory of me.’  
 
On Sunday 25 May we celebrate the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. 
We recall that Jesus’ command was “take and eat and drink; do this in memory of me.”  It is because of that command that people have found no better thing to do than to celebrate the Eucharist, the Mass

   -  for someone who has died;
   -  for the success of an operation;
   - on a couple’s wedding day;
   -  for a sick person about to die.
 

Down through the ages people have found no better thing to do
than celebrate the Eucharist
-  before they were led to the lions in the arenas of the Roman Empire;
- and in hiding during Reformation times 400 years ago as they faced imprisonment or death;

- and on the beaches at Dunkirk in 1940 as men were bombed and shot around them;
  - and in secrecy in the death-camps of Hitler and Stalin;
  - and in the darkness of night by a bishop in China, tortured and imprisoned for his faith.

 And we could find today in the congregation at Mass

  - people who are giving thanks for a successful outcome to what they were worried about;
  - individuals in pain and in anger at the suffering others have brought to them;
  - people who have many questions and are searching for meaning in their lives;
  - individuals who trust even though life is difficult for them;
  - people who are asking for forgiveness, or who feel the need around them of others who are searching.
All of these have been carrying out Jesus’ command to “take and eat and drink in memory of me.”
 

Readings:   1 Corinthians 10: 16-17; Acts 2: 42,47; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25

Let us pray with the Church: 

 Joyfully we make our prayer to Jesus Christ, the bread of life, and we say:  Happy are those who are called to your supper, Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ, high priest of the new and eternal covenant, on the altar of the cross you offered a perfect sacrifice to the Father: - teach us how to offer it with you.  Happy are those who are called to your supper, Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ, king of peace and justice, you consecrated bread and wine as a sign of your self-giving:- unite us as victims to yourself.  Happy are those who are called to your supper, Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ, as manna came from the heavens, you nourish your Church with your body and blood: - in the strength of your food we will walk in your paths.  Happy are those who are called to your supper, Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ, unseen guest at our banquet, you stand at our door and knock: - come to us, fill our hearts with your truth and stay with us.  Happy are those who are called to your supper, Lord.
 
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