June 19th - Corpus Christi
(Gen 14:18-20; I Cor 11:23-26; Lk 9:11b-17)
Melchizedek (which means righteous or rightful king) was the King of Salem and a priest of God Most High. He makes it clear that Abram (future named Abraham) fought with the power of God Most High on his side. The gifts brought by Melchizedek are offered in thanksgiving to God Most High. Psalm 110 was understood as a prophecy of the son of King David, and so also of Jesus as the rightful Davidic heir. What is most important for Paul in his letter to the Corinthians is that the actions of both eating and drinking are done “in remembrance” of Jesus. The eating and drinking of the Eucharist are intended to make a bold statement: they allow members of the community to “proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.” How they enacted matters. The miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes is found not just in our reading from Luke but in all four Gospels. This miracle also serves as a sign pointing towards Jesus’ institution of the Holy Eucharist; Jesus is truly present under the appearance of bread and wine. Today this is honored by the Church as the feast of Corpus Christi, which is Latin for “Body of Christ.” Jesus provided for the people in such abundance that all ate with plenty left over. Just as Jesus sent out the Twelve in mission earlier, so the twelve baskets testify to the extravagant success of the apostles’ ministry.