Solemnity of the Body & Blood of Christ (b)
This Week’s Liturgy Calendar.
Ordinary Cycle of the Year (b)
Weekdays – Year 2
Sunday 3rd June: Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. (B) (Corpus Christi.)
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 4th June: Monday of the 9th week of the year.
We move to the second Letter of St. Peter. Scholars say that this unlikely to have been written by him personally but by one his devoted followers. It reflects Peter’s teaching and deals with many topics which are still of relevance today. The early Christians are encouraged to work at goodness, self control, patience and kindness.
Jesus tells the parable of the vineyard and the unjust stewards who were like the Jewish leaders. While the crowd loved him for his story; the leaders were very angry but could do nothing.
Tuesday 5th June: Memorial of St. Boniface.
Boniface was born in England and became a teacher and later a priest. He wanted to be a missionary and was eventually sent by the Pope to what is now southern Germany. He became Archbishop of Mainz in 747 and was eventually martyred in 754.
Wednesday 6th June: Wednesday of 9th week of the year.
Timothy was left in Ephesus by Paul to continue the work of preaching and teaching. In particular Paul is warning Timothy to be on guard against the false teachings and false prophets who were growing in numbers. He uses the image of ‘fan into a flame’ the gifts he had received and which he was now called to pass on.
Again efforts are made to entrap Jesus and his preaching this time by the Sadducees who had no belief in life after death. They try to use marriage as means of doing this.
Thursday 7th June: Thursday of the 9th week of the year.
Timothy was a convert who accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey and was left by Paul in Ephesus to build up the Church there. In this extract from Paul’s letter Paul is encouraging Timothy to teach the message he has been given and not be afraid of the difficulties he will encounter in preaching the Good News.
Jesus continues to be questioned about which of the commandments is the greatest. He gives the answer that every good Jew should know.
Friday 8th 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 9th June: Feast of St. Columba.
Columba was born in Gartan in County Donegal in 521 into a family of royal lineage. He became a monk at Clonard and was ordained a priest where he was trained by St. Finian. He began founding monasteries in Derry, Durrow and possible Kells before travelling to Scotland and landing in Iona. From here, his monks travelled all over evangelising the local tribes and their kings. His influence reached as far at Northumbria. Iona became known as a place of pilgrimage and as a centre of missionary expansion. He died in 597
Sweet Heart of Jesus,
Fount of love of mercy,
To thee we come,
Thy mercy to implore.
