A hunger for truth, beauty and goodness

One of the most striking aspects of participating in the Eucharist – especially as one travels further east and south from Northern Europe – is the prominent role of music, chanting and art in the divine liturgy. A recent spell in Croatia has brought this home to me once again. As we move towards the liturgical solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) this coming weekend, it is worth reflecting on the importance of the sixth chapter of the Gospel of St John. We will hear an extract from this chapter (John 6:51–58) proclaimed next Sunday.

Food for body and soul

In a previous blog, A second-century ceebration of the Mass, I considered the writings and witness of a very early Christian martyr, St Justin Martyr (c. AD 100–165) whose feast day we celebrate today.  St Justin gives one of the earliest and clearest accounts of the Eucharist in which we receive not common bread and drink but the actual flesh and blood of Jesus. This transformation occurs in the Eucharist in the prayer of thanksgiving.  It is a gift to all baptised Christians who stand in unity with the core beliefs and teachings of the Christian community.  His descriptions place the Eucharist at the centre of the week on the Day of Resurrection. 

A Sunday without the Eucharist, in my view, makes no sense;  none.