The Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith. It is the Body and Blood of Christ. For Catholics, Anglican and Western Orthodox faiths this is not a symbolic gesture, but is as real as Christ himself. It is a miracle that is repeated at the alter during Mass throughout the world.
This miracle can only be preformed by an ordained priest, Christ’s physical representative on earth, and only after the valid words are spoken. What appears to the eye as bread and wine are in reality transformed into the body and blood, soul and Divinity of our Lord by the Holy Spirit.
For this reason, the altar is purified in a particular way. For this reason, steps are taken to prevent any particle or droplet from being discarded or treated without reverence and respect. For this reason, every parish sacristy has a special sink called a Sacrarium that empties directly into the ground, so that no part of the Body or Blood can enter the sewer system when the vessels are washed. These practices are outward signs of the tremendous respect for Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
During the Mass, the celebrant gathers not only the bread and wine, but the substance of our lives, and joins them to Christ’s perfect sacrifice, offering them to the Father. The Feast of Corpus Christi is a solemnity celebration of the Real Presence of the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the elements of the Eucharist. In the Latin Rite, this celebration remains fixed on the Thursday following Trinity Sunday. In the Roman Rite, as well as others, the Mass of Corpus Christi is celebrated on the Sunday following Trinity Sunday. (Once again, don’t get me started with the whole matter of convenience when it comes to Holy Days of Obligation).
How did the Feast of Corpus Christi come to be? How much time do you have? In a nutshell, in 1263 in Bolsena, Italy a Eucharistic Miracle occurred when the consecrated host began to bleed onto a corporal, the small cloth upon which the host and chalice rest during the Canon of the Mass. The appearance of blood was seen as a miracle, affirming the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation. The Miracle of Bolsena is regarded by the Church as a private revelation, meaning that Catholics are under no obligation to believe while free to do so. For this reason, Pope Urban IV made no mention of the miracle when he established the Feast of Corpus Christi, although the miracle did take place in his lifetime, and was a consideration when establishing the feast.
Often at the end of Holy Mass, especially in smaller parishes, there is a procession of the Blessed Sacrament. Today, most Protestant denominations do not recognize the feast day, with the exception of some Lutheran churches. The Church of England continued to observe The Feast of Corpus Christi until the English Reformation of 1548. It has since been reintroduced. Some Anglican churches now observe Corpus Christi, under the name “Thanksgiving for Holy Communion”.
In countries with a predominately Catholic population, Corpus Christi is a public holiday. This allows people to attend Mass and participate in other festivities of the day.
While our parish, and most of those here in the US, will celebrate the Feast of Corus Christi on Sunday, personally we will acknowledge the celebration today. I’m glad that it’s a Thrusday celebration. After all, in our house Thursdays are dedicated to all things Italian, or even remotely Italian. So a Spaghetti Dinner, with its spin on a traditional Red Sauce Spaghetti, is fitting for the Feast of Corpus Christi.
Spinach and Mini-Meatball Spaghetti
8 oz Italian Sausage
4 teaspoons Minced Garlic, divided
1/4 cup Italian Breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
12 oz Spaghetti Pasta
Olive Oil as needed
1 jar Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes or to taste
1/4 cup White Wine
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
2 cups Spinach, shredded
Place Italian Sausage in a mixing bowl. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic, the breadcrumbs and Italian Seasoning. Work into meat. With a teaspoon or small scoop, divide meat mixture into 16 portions. Roll each into a small ball. Place on a tray, place into the freezer until ready to cook.
While the meatballs freeze, bring a large pot of salted water to a full rolling boil. Maintain boil until ready to cook pasta.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs until nicely browned and almost cooked through.
Add pasta to the boiling water. Cook until al dente, about 11 minutes.
Once the pasta has begin to cook, add pasta sauce to the skillet. Stir in remaining minced garlic and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat. Stir in wine and heavy cream. Simmer sauce.
Tear spinach into small pieces, set aside. Once the pasta is cooked, drain. Place pasta in a large serving bowl, keep warm.
Remove sauce from heat. Stir in spinach. Pour sauce, with the meatballs, over the pasta. Pull pasta through to coat in the sauce.
Serve with a simple salad and enjoy.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord;
Whoever eats this bread will live forever.
John 6:51
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