June 6 - Corpus Christi
(Ex 24:3-8; Heb 9:11-15; M k 14:12-16, 22-26)
Our reading from Hebrews is a beautiful example of typology, where the events and persons of the Old Testament are shown to be fulfilled in the life of Christ and His Church. Through this method of interpretation, Jesus is shown to possess a unique, unending priesthood. He is, moreover, the priest of the New Covenant, which brings about for the people a more perfect union with God (see Hebrews 8:6). Just as the High Priest of the Mosaic Law would enter into the Holy of Holies once a year to offer a sin offering of blood, so Christ, through his death and resurrection, entered once for all into the presence of God, restoring sinful humanity to grace. This chapter of Hebrews specifically recalls the events recounted in the First Reading from Exodus. It explains that the action of Moses with the blood was an act of purification, but only externally. The Blood of Christ, however, effects a real Spiritual transformation. We can take comfort in such a high priest, who has both human sympathy and divine power to forgive sin.
The Gospel account of the Passover Meal itself is brief, but telling. There is no mention of the Passover lamb, highlighting that Jesus himself is the sacrificial offering. And the meal is not concluded in the traditional way with a final cup of wine. Instead, a new covenant has been established with the Blood of Christ, fulfilling the covenant we read about in the first reading. But the new Passover feast is not finished, for after giving the cup of His Blood, Jesus says he is not going to drink anymore until he drinks anew in the kingdom of God. Then, they sing a hymn and set out to the Garden of Gethsemane. The sacrificial celebration continues to Calvary, uniting both symbol and reality.