We gaze in spell-bound wonder before majestic places of worship such as Chartres, Notre Dame and Orvieto. The chalices of Ardagh and Derrynaflan and the Cross of Cong speak to us of dedicated genius, of vibrant faith sincerely lived, and of piety inspired by scripture and by prayer. The Books of Kells and of Durrow, the Antiphonary of Bangor, and the Missals of Stowe and of Bobbio must forever rank among the wonders of the world. Why all this labour of astounding love? Today's healing festival gives answer with light to our darkness, strength to our weakness, and safe guidance on our pilgrim way. The Stowe masterpiece summons us to the very heart of Christian living with the much loved hymn, "Sancti, Venite ...! Come, Holy People of God ..." The Eucharist is the sun and the centre of our Christian living. The words of Augustine Birrell echo still .. . "It is the Mass that matters!"
We are one in joyful prayer with flower-filled Genzano, and with cities, towns and villages across the world. We come in spirit to the Upper Room and in grateful prayer, thank our Redeemer for the Saving Sacrament, the bread of life, our nourishment for the once made journey. Most truly our "Viaticum" is food to sustain us on what so often can be a weary pilgrim way.
Christ knows well that we can be faint and sad, in need of healing, and of comfort, and of hope made new. Before me, as I write, is a copy of that most moving and eloquent (fifth century) mosaic that was discovered close to the Hill of the Beatitudes. It depicts the five loaves and two fishes that fed the faithful 5,000 at Christ's command of love.
Sharing food is both a sign and cause of trust and love, of reconciliation and of peace. Each time we eat we must, with Gospel awareness and with faith-filled mind, recall how we share one loaf and one cup. In Christ's Body we are one. What an outrage to sit at one table, partake of one sacrament and permit division and hostility in mind and heart, or neglect Christ's people in want of daily food. The sincerity of our Eucharistic faith is proved by our goodness to the poor.
We reflect in deepest prayer on the welcoming meal for the prodigal son, the reconciling meals of Matthew and Zacheus and the grace-filled hospitality of Martha, Mary and Lazarus where Christ was welcomed as Redeemer and as family friend. Our Resurrection-Scriptures show to us Christ sharing food, revealing mystery, granting pardon and confirming faith. We learn from the early morning meal by the lakeside as the sun came up over the much loved waters of Tiberias. Can we forget the wondrous journey to Emmaus and that fervent prayer from the heart: "Stay with us! It is towards evening and the day is now far spent!" May we, too, recognise him in the breaking of bread and, as Scripture is opened, find our hearts aglow.
On this "Corpus Christi", the feast of healing and of joy St Paul hands on to us what he has received from the Lord. "On the very night that the Lord Jesus was betrayed he took some bread and gave thanks to the Father, broke the bread and said: `This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way after the supper, he took the cup saying: `This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me'." We come to the heart of Christian Faith and the wellspring of healing, happiness and peace.
Across the world the light-filled songs of St Thomas Aquinas sound in joy.
"Come now, Good Shepherd, bread Divine!
Oh, show to us your Mercy Sign.
Please feed us still and keep us Thine,
And may we see your glories shine
In home of life eternally."
In the shining light of the Holy Spirit may this saving sacrament lead us to eternal life. Amen! Alleluia!