Transformation of bread and wine like personal conversion, Pope says

(June 24, 2011) The transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus Christ is like the transformation people undergo when they give themselves up to the love of God, Pope Benedict XVI said on Thursday. Delivering a homily at a Mass at Rome’s Basilica of St. John Lateran for the feast of ‘Corpus Christi’ or the Body and Blood of Christ, the Pope said that the transformative power of the Eucharist made it "the food of eternal life." By partaking in the Eucharist, Christians become like Christ. The purpose of the transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ is to transform lives and therefore transform the world. The sacrament of communion underscores the social commitment inherent in the Church, Pope Benedict said, because whoever recognizes Christ in the host "also sees him in his brother who suffers, who is hungry or thirsty, or who is alone, naked, sick or imprisoned." The recognition and commitment to help others is even more important in a world where globalization makes everyone more dependent upon each other, the Pontiff explained.
After the Mass, the Pope led the traditional Corpus Christi procession from St. John Lateran to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for Eucharistic adoration and Benediction. He rode in a canopied flatbed truck to St. Mary's, kneeling in front of a monstrance with the Eucharist, as priests, seminarians, religious, altar servers and thousands of faithful accompanied him along the route.