Solemnity of Corpus Christi

Dear Friends,

One of the greatest difficulties in humanity’s struggle in believing in God is the notion that we cannot see him. “How can we believe in a being that we cannot see?” It is a relatable and fair question, and one that is good for us to ponder. As Christians we are given an even loftier task: to love this “invisible” God above all things—to center of our lives on the foundation of this reality and to live accordingly.

I have never met a Christian who thinks that he or she has satisfactorily accomplished this lofty prescription. But to those who have given the most heroic efforts, there is an important truth that they all hold firmly: God is not invisible. He may, for a time, be hidden from our senses, but that is much different than an invisible, imperceptible, or even an imaginary reality.

In responding to this difficulty, our former Archbishop thought that the simplest answer is the best answer. And his words speak what really distinguishes Christianity from any other religion: God has made himself visible through the incarnation of his Son. Not only did he make himself visible, he has a face that was kissed by a mother, a face that filled with tears, a face that laughed at simple joys, and a face that spoke the words of everlasting life.

At the end of his public ministry, before he ascends into heaven, Jesus leaves his Apostles with these powerfully comforting words: “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” In its most palpable sense, we celebrate the fulfillment of these words today in the Solemnity of Corpus Christi—the Body and Blood of Christ. Jesus, having ascended locally into heaven at the right hand of the Father is still present with us—body, blood, soul, and divinity in what Catholics have perpetually considered one of the greatest gifts God gave the Church—the Most Blessed Sacrament. Jesus is now and forever Emmanuel. He is the presence of God among his people. He has made himself perpetually visible in this way, and today (and every day) we have the sublime opportunity to touch and taste this greatest of mysteries in the Holy Eucharist. God is indeed with us.

Fr. Michael Gokie
Parochial Vicar & Assistant Newman Director