Readings and meditation on the Word of God on Sunday, Solemnity of the Most Sacred Body and Blood of Christ, June 7th, 2026

Delivered by Christine Gunawan from the Parish of Saint Joseph Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Pontianak, Indonesia. Deuteronomy 8: 2-3.14b-16a; Rs psalm 147: 12-13.14-15.19-20; 1 Corinthians 10: 16-17; John 6: 51-58.WE ARE SUSTAINED BY THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST The theme for our meditation on this Sunday, Solemnityof the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is: We are Sustained by the Body andBlood of Christ. The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christinvites us to contemplate a profound truth: Christ does not only teach us froma distance. He gives Himself completely to us. In the Eucharist, Jesus becomesour food and drink so that we may have life in Him and continue our journeywith strength, hope, and love. In the Gospel, Jesus states frankly that His body, the flesh of the Son of Man, and Hisblood are the food we should eat. This reveals more than just His power toprovide material food, but a deeper gift. Just as people are nourishedphysically, Christ nourishes us spiritually through His Body and Blood. Humanshunger for many things: acceptance, peace, meaning, forgiveness, and love. Nogift from this world can fully satisfy our hunger. Only Christ can fulfill thedeepest longings of the human heart. The Eucharist reminds us that God understands ourweakness. We often become tired, discouraged, and burdened by life's struggles.At times we may feel inadequate in our vocation, family responsibilities,ministry, studies, or work. Yet Jesus does not leave us to rely solely on ourown strength. Every time we receive the Eucharist with faith, He shares His ownlife with us. His patience strengthens our impatience. His love heals ourwounded hearts. His courage sustains us when we feel afraid. The Eucharist is also a call to become what we receive.We receive the Body of Christ so that we may become the Body of Christ forothers. The bread that is broken for us challenges us to share ourselvesgenerously. The cup of salvation invites us to pour out our lives in service,compassion, and forgiveness. Nourished by Christ, we are sent to nourish othersthrough our words, presence, and acts of kindness. A father shared a story about how the daily and weeklyEucharist sustains him and his family. The burdens of life and theresponsibility of caring for his family are daily tasks that cannot beneglected. Therefore, every time he attends the Eucharist, he is given theopportunity to receive the Lord Jesus and bring Him into every situation andactivity in his life. Like that father, we often find that our strength isinsufficient. The Eucharist reminds us that we are not sustained by our ownefforts alone. We live by Christ himself. He feeds us so that we can continueour journey faithfully.Let us pray. In the name of the Father … Lord, Jesus, You give us Your Body andBlood as the food of eternal life. When we are weak, strengthen us. When we arediscouraged, renew our hope. When we are tempted to rely only on ourselves,remind us that You are always with us. May every Eucharist deepen our unionwith You and transform us into instruments of Your love for others. Glory tothe Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father…