Gospel: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed
the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to
go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?" He sent two of his disciples
and said to them, "Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a
jar of water
Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, 'The
Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my
disciples? Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make
the preparations for us there. The disciples then went off, entered the city
and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover.
While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave
it to them, and said, "Take it; this is my body. Then he took a cup, gave
thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them,
"This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I
say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I
drink it new in the kingdom of God.
Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
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Reflection:
The story is told about a husband who went to a faraway place to buy
medicine that would save his wife’s life. When he was about to return home with
the medicine there was no more available vehicle that he could ride for it was
already midnight. So he made the decision to sacrifice and walk back home so he
could save his wife’s life. He arrived dead tired but through his sacrifice he
was able to save his wife’s life.
Sacrifice is an essential part of life, particularly in married life.
There would be times that we would be called to sacrifice so that we could save
our spouse life or even the marriage covenant itself.
Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus
Christi). The sacrifice and offering of Jesus Body and Blood through bread and
wine at Holy Mass. This sacrifice of the Lord served as the disciples nourishment
as they did their mission without anymore the physical presence of the Lord.
Through Jesus offering and sacrifice of His Body and Blood the disciples would
also learn to sacrifice and offer their very own lives for the advancement of
the mission of Jesus.
Until this very moment we receive the same Body and Blood of Jesus
whenever we partake of it during Holy Communion. It serves as our nourishment
as we continue to exist in this world. It motivates us to be like Jesus who gave
His very life for our sake.
The breaking and sharing of the Body and Blood of Jesus. Communicates to
us that we too must learn to share and sacrifice. To become selfless for the
good and welfare of others most especially the poor, unwanted and those who are
suffering because of the covid-19 pandemic.
Have you offered or sacrificed your time, your treasure or even a part of
your life to advance the mission of Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas