ROME, JUNE 11, 2009 (Zenit.org).-
Benedict XVI is warning of a "serpentine secularization" that
penetrates the Church and is manifested in "formal and empty
Eucharistic worship."

The Pope celebrated the feast of Corpus
Christi today in Rome, presiding over Mass in the Basilica of St. John
Lateran and then processing with the Blessed Sacrament to the Basilica
of St. Mary Major.

In his homily, the Holy Father illustrated
the importance of faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist,
telling the thousands of pilgrims that this faith "cannot be taken for
granted."

"Today there arises the risk of a serpentine
secularization even within the Church, which can convert into a formal
and empty Eucharistic worship, in celebrations lacking this
participation from the heart that is expressed in veneration and
respect for the liturgy," he cautioned.

According to the
Pontiff, "the temptation is always strong to reduce prayer to
superficial and hurried moments, letting oneself be carried away by
earthly activities and worries."

And nevertheless, he added, the
Eucharist is "the bread of eternal life of the new world that is given
us today in the holy Mass, so that starting now the future world begins
in us."

"With the Eucharist, therefore, heaven comes down to
earth, the tomorrow of God descends into the present and it is as if
time remains embraced by divine eternity," the Bishop of Rome explained.

He
didn't hide his joy at being able to accompany the Blessed Sacrament
along the path to St. Mary Major; he invited the faithful to raise up
this prayer: "Stay with us, Christ, give to us the gift of yourself and
give us the bread that nourishes us for eternal life.

"Free this
world from the venom of evil, of violence and of hate, which
contaminate consciences; purify it with the power of your merciful
love."