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Corpus Christi

 


There is a wonderful southern community along the Gulf of Mexico in Texas called Corpus Christi. When I was stationed in Texas, at Fort Sam Houston, it was a joy, as an Army Chaplain, to lead marriage retreats in the luxurious hotels built along those Corpus Christi beaches.

It never dawned on me about the meaning of that name until becoming an Army Chaplain and getting to spend a lot of time with colleagues who were Catholic Priests. The name “Corpus Christi” is Latin and means “the Body of Christ.”

For Catholics and some protestant denominations, “Corpus Christi” is a very special time of remembrance of the sacrifice Jesus made giving his body upon the Cross for our redemption and salvation. Today, this remembrance of “Corpus Christi” (Body of Christ) is also known as “The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.” 

So, what is this? This is a time they set aside after Pentecost to honor Jesus Christ, who they believe is really, truly and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine. This “presence” happens through the change which is called “transubstantiation” or “change of substance.” 

This is a belief that when the Priest prays over the bread and juice and says, “This is My Body,” and “This is the cup of My Blood,” along with “Do this in remembrance of Me” that Jesus is present within the juice and bread despite the physical appearance not changing (still looks and appears as juice and bread). 

Before we go any further, I am not promoting this belief in transubstantiation nor making this a “for or against” article. It’s simply a belief within some Christian communities. So, what’s my point? Well, it is actually a question. Do you believe in the presence of Christ with you literally and spiritually? Do you believe in the presence of God…period? Or, do we live as if God is “way up there” in Heaven and we are “way down here” on the earth? 

Remember the first announcement of the birth of Jesus? Matthew 1:23, “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” God is ever with us through Jesus the Son. 

Through the Holy Spirit’s presence, both God the Father and God the Son, Jesus, will never leave us. John 14:16-17, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” 

Jesus reaffirmed His commitment to never leave us all alone to “fend for ourselves” in this world after He ascended back to Heaven. Matthew 28:20, “…And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” 

There is also assurance of this promise from the Psalms that, no matter what, we cannot escape, turn away from, or feel abandoned from God physically, mentally, or spiritually. It is a true impossibility. Psalm 139:7-10, “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.” 

Just these few Scripture passages, alone, suffice to assure us with the utmost confidence that God is always with us in concert with His Son, Jesus and His Holy Spirit to lead us closer into relationship with Himself and to ignite within us a Spirit-fueled ministry to be disciples and ambassadors for God the Father. 

For some, Jesus is present in the elements of Holy Communion. For us, Jesus is present with us, along with the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us for the Glory of God the Father. There is nowhere God “can’t” be. In fact, God is in every place we go and is already there before we even arrive. He is with us and also ahead of us. 

As you hear the name “Corpus Christi” or any reference to this City, just remember God is always with us through His Son and Holy Spirit. Remember that when you see the sunrise in the morning or sunset at night. When you gaze at the universe at night and take in the stars, planets and moon. When you receive a courteous smile and greeting from a stranger or are hit with that strong “gut feeling” when the Holy Spirit helps confirm a decision you need to make. Go in peace as God is with you.

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