Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (b)
Ordinary Season of the Year. (c)
Weekdays – Year 2
Sunday 10th June: Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. (c)
In the first reading, from the Book of Exodus, we hear how Moses made an agreement with God on behalf of the people and sealed this ‘covenant’ in blood according to the tradition of the people.
The Letter to the Hebrews tells us how the new covenant we celebrate was sealed in the blood of Jesus himself.
Finally at the Last Supper, from St. Marks account, Jesus gives himself, his body and blood as a gift to his followers and for our salvation.
Monday 11th June: Memorial of St. Barnabas.
Barnabas was a Jewish Levite fromCyprus. He was not one of the original twelve apostles but has always been identified as an apostle because of the work he carried out in the early Church. He was noted for his generosity and for encouraging the early Christians to persevere in their new found faith. He worked inAntioch where he broughtSt. Paul. He worked with Paul on his first missionary journey and later went to Cyprus with St. Mark.
Tuesday 12th June: Tuesday in 10th week of the year.
We mpve back in to the Old Testament . We will hear over the next weeks the continuation of the history of the people of Israel and in particular from the prophets of the time of Ahab, King between 869 b.c and 850 b.c. He has been condemned by Elijah the prophet and warned of a drought that will come on his people. Today we read of the acts of the Lord’s power in the drought and how Elijah’s faith and that of a who looks after him in the drought brings them both to safety.
The Gospel reminds us that the true follower of Jesus will not hide away or live their faith in secrecy. It is a faith that must be seen like a light on a hill top.
Wednesday 13th June: Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua.
He was born inLisbon in 1195, originally being called Ferdinand. He changed his name to Anthony when he joined the Friars Minor. He was very inspired after a visit toAssisi where he met St. Francis. He became for his preaching inItaly especially inPadua where he lived for the last few years of his life. He was only 36 when he died.
Thursday 14th June: Thursday in 10th week of the year.
Only once the power and majesty of God have been acceoted will the drought finish. Elijah has clearly demonstrated to Ahab that he the prophet of the one true God and that is the one who should be obeyed.
Jesus criticises those scribes and Pharisees who interpret the law to suit themselves. He stresses the need for sincerity of heart and compassion in dealing with other people.
Friday 15th June: Solemnity of the Sacred Heart.
Today the Church celebrates the immense love of God for us, revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. His heart is a symbol of that love.
Saturday 16th June: Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
This feast has its roots in the apostolate of St. John Eudes and apostle of devotion to the hearts of Jesus and Mary. Pius XII dedicated the Church and the whole human race to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on December 8th 1942, the twenty fifth anniversary of the apparitions ofFatima. He placed the feast originally in August but it has now been moved to its present date to be closer to the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Sweet Heart of Jesus,
Fount of love of mercy,
To thee we come,
Thy mercy to implore.
