18 June 2025
Because Easter was late this year, Corpus Christi comes late this year, and as a result we have a number of high holy days that are celebrated in close proximity. The celebrations of Corpus Christi begin tomorrow, the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist arrives on Tuesday, the Feast of the Sacred Heart arrives June 27, and then two days later the great holy day of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is celebrated on June 29. This is four solemnities in two weeks. The challenge is giving all four of these feasts their proper place, as each teaches the faith in a unique way.
In some cultures these days bring wonderful rituals, allowing people to begin their summer rest with festive celebrations. Corpus Christi is famous for street processions of the Blessed Sacrament, and the Nativity of John is often celebrated with picnics and bonfires. These feasts of June are joyful occasions that strengthen the faith while ushering in summer sabbath and recreation.
If only summer could be so restful for us, for chaos seems to be the new economy. Iran and Israel continue to choose the wrong path, Gaza has been demolished, our transgender siblings are terrified for their safety, and our country reels from the expulsion of beloved neighbors seeking to make a better life among us. Even worse, some who profess Christ are the architects of the chaos tearing people, cultures, and nations apart.
We must remember that when we celebrate John the Baptist’s birth, we are celebrating a prophet who lost his life because he challenged a despotic ruler. When we celebrate Corpus Christi, we celebrate a God who incarnates life into all of humanity, especially the poor and the oppressed - the least of the Body of Christ. When we celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we celebrate a God that becomes vulnerable for us, and we see that love is the economy of God. When we celebrate Peter and Paul, we witness two saints, who even though the world continually kicked them down, rose to champion the Gospel of peace before the powerful Roman Empire. Some think liturgical celebrations are avoidance and escapism, when they are actually the secret source of God’s justice unfolding among the people.
We have seen great demonstrations in our cities, calling out the injustices of our society. Don’t underestimate the quiet revolution that unfolds due to liturgical feasts, honest preaching, and the sharing of the Sacraments. There is a reason why so many Christians have been martyred by dictators and their governments. The good news is that nothing can undo God’s justice. It will always triumph in the end.
Father Paul Lillie +
