This Sunday was the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.  The solemnity celebrates Jesus’ institution of the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood at the Last Supper.  The Eucharist is the wellspring, from which we drawn life, and pinnacle of Christian life, eternal life with our Lord.

Christ instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice as a new covenant to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross until his return in glory.  Throughout the Old Testament God formed a series of covenants with humanity.  These covenants were prototypes of the Eucharistic covenant of Christ’s Body and Blood.  A series of postings that will follow will explore the relationship of the Eucharist with these prototype covenants.

A covenant is an exchange between two persons to form a sacred family bond between the persons.  The covenant includes five elements.  A sacred oath is taken.  A sacrifice is made.  A permanent sign commemorates the covenant.  A meal or food is eaten.  The covenantal exchange is made at a special place, typically on a mountain.

The posting to follow will explore the covenantal and Eucharist aspects of the fall of Adam and Eve.