June 18 - BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST Lectionary #168

Emerging in the thirteenth century in response to attacks on the real presence of Christ in the sacrament, this feast was first celebrated in 1247; it was added to the general calendar in 1264. From the late fourteenth century, the most conspicuous aspect of this feast was a procession with the reserved sacrament that followed Mass, probably modeled on the Palm Sunday procession in England , in which the sacrament was carried to represent Christ the King. In Germany it became associated with a petition for good weather, and the procession included four stations at which the sacrament in the monstrance was offered in blessing in the four directions.

Today's readings focus our attention on the “blood of the covenant” and, therefore, on Christ's redeeming presence among us as the new sign of the covenant (and under the form of wine).

Exodus 24:3-8. The covenant which God offers is a matter of life and death. Once they hear the words, understand them, and commit themselves to the covenant, Moses sprinkles the people with “the blood of the covenant.” This ritual gesture suggests that violation of the covenant brings death; it is also a reminder that all of life is in God's hands because it was believed that life itself resided in the blood.

Psalm of the Day: Ps (115) 116

This song of thanksgiving, originally sung by a grateful individual, has become the song of the church as it takes up the cup of salvation in the Eucharist to give thanks to God.

Hebrews 9:11-15. Written after the destruction of the Temple (70 CE), this letter “spiritualizes” Temple ritual and applies it to Christ. Here, Christ is presented as the high priest entering the Holy of Holies, not by offering purification sacrifices but by offering himself—“his own blood”—which purifies himself as well as all who share in the “new covenant.”

Sequence: Lauda Sion

Unlike the sequences for Easter Sunday and Pentecost, this sequence is optional. If used, it may best be used as a processional piece accompanying the movement of the Gospel Book through the congregation. People planning to use this sequence should note how very long it is; they might consider using the shorter form which begins with the verse “Lo! the angel's food is given.” The Canadian Catholic Book of Worship III has a reworking of the text set to the Pange Lingua tune (#693), and the chant for the short form (“Ecce Panis”) is in the Liber Cantualis. A setting of the short form of the sequence is available in By Flowing Waters (Paul Ford, The Liturgical Press), 207. The following versions of the hymn may be used in their entirety or shortened by comparing the texts with the one found in the Lectionary.

Laud, O Zion JS 473/BB/PRM B

Praise, O Zion , Voices Raising WC 627/PMB 319

Mark 14:12-16, 22-26. In Mark's version of the Last Supper, the words over the cup are far more extensive than the words over the bread, since in this version Jesus evokes the prophetic image of the messianic banquet, celebrated with new wine “in the kingdom of God .”

Opening: Gather Your People(CC-474)
CCM Opening: Salvation Belongs To Our God(see sheet)
Ps: Ps 16: Our Blessing Cup(CC-78) [sing and read]
Offertory: Eat this bread(CC-491)
Com 1: Behold the lamb(CC-481)
Com 2: Adoration by Matt Maher
Com 3: Litany for the Holy Eucharist (1,Ps,2,G) WC 643
Closing: Salvation Belongs To Our God(see sheet)
CCM Closing: Thanks Be To God(see sheet)