For some of the major aspects of our religion, the Church holds two celebrations. Thus the Mass of the Lord's Supper on the evening of Thursday in Holy Week is a celebration of the historical event, the celebration of Passover, when Jesus gave us the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Later on, during the Ordinary Time of the Year, we have the feast of Corpus Christi. This feast goes beyond the celebration of the historical event to encourage us to reflect more deeply upon the mystery of the Eucharist.

Both history and mystery have their own significance and value. In recalling Jesus' celebration of Passover with his disciples, we remember and celebrate one of the great moments of our salvation history, the Exodus, the liberation of the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. That event was a demonstration of God's love for the chosen people and for all of us who God has chosen to create. At the same time, the Exodus underlines an important aspect of God's love: God is a liberating God, and God's love for us in Christ Jesus is the source of all our liberty. By the mystery of the Eucharist, Jesus gives us the strength and freedom, the wisdom and courage to face our daily life in this world.