A: Corpus Christi Sunday (18 June 2017) - BREAD OF LIFE TO CHILDREN OF LIFE - Jn 6:51-58

We are celebrating today the Solemnity of the Corpus (et Sanguinis) Christi, the commemoration of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharistic bread and wine. In our Gospel, Jesus declared that his flesh is real food and his blood is real drink (Jn 6:55). Since there is no Institution Narrative in the Gospel of John as opposed to the Synoptic Gospels (Mk 14:22-25, Mt 26:26-29 and Lk 22:14-20), this passage is dubbed as John’s indirect way of introducing the Eucharistic theme. Henceforth, even this episode in John 6 is attached to the Corpus Christi Feast. But should it be rightfully so?

The Institution of the Eucharist in the Last Supper as found in the Synoptics is linked with the idea of betrayal (Mk 14:18-21, Mt 26: 20-25 and Lk 22:21-23) leading to Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. Since these texts are popularized in reference to the Eucharist, we grew up with the impression that the Eucharist is all about our reflection on death, especially since we are all guilty of the bloodshed of Christ on the cross because of our sins. Hence, most of us see the Holy Mass more as a sacrifice rather than a fellowship, and more of a Sacrament for the Dead rather than a Sacrament for the Living.

However, the gospel episode in John is not attached to the idea of death whatsoever. In the 8 verses we read, we never hear of the word “death/dying.” Instead 9x do we find words associated with “life/living,” “zoe” in Greek. Henceforth, what is emphasized in today’s feast while reading John (instead of the Synoptics) is an emphasis on life, not death.

Sadly in Marawi (Mindanao, Philippines) today, hundreds are already dead. We are not to put a blame on no one since in both camps (the government’s and the terrorists’) there are dead bodies. And both camps have their equal share of responsibility in their indiscriminate firings and carefree counter-attacks. Honestly, we do not know of a solution that can fix all of these problems. We only wish that this would end at the soonest time.

But my questions are: How can the life of the citizens be normalized if outright “killing-of-the-enemy” is the marching order of both camps? How can life be promoted if peaceful dialogues have already been closed? How can everybody have their daily bread in the coming years if wanton bombing of the city is done? How can ethno-religious groups openly share bread and wine with one another when the law of arms is still in effect? How can we stop terrorism to breed if innocent children become day-to-day witnesses to much violence and atrocities?

Corpses on the feast of Corpus Christi. Bloodshed on the feast of the Blood of Christ. I only pray that in all subsequent decisions, “zoe” is the prime consideration.

Actually, “Zoe” is the name of Eve in the Book of Genesis (3:20) in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament)… which means that we are all children of life, and not children of death. I hope we can at least be “one body” in this.

- Rex Fortes, CM