Experience Jesus in Five Ways

From the Desk of Father David

Dear Parishioners and friends,

             Today we celebrated the marvelous feast of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.  Jesus feeds us with His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.  The closest action we have on earth is when a mother breast feeds her child.  She gives of herself so the child could have life.  Jesus gives totally of Himself so we could have the fullness of life now and forever.

The Church reminds us that when we come to Mass, we experience Jesus’ presence in five ways.  The five ways are: in the proclamation of the Scriptures, in the bread and wine that become the Body and Blood of Jesus, in those gathered, and in the priest.  That is why watching Mass on the television is not the same, because you cannot receive His presence in communion, and you are separated from a nourishing community.  We can sometimes forget how much we affect those around us just by being there and praying.

One purpose of the Eucharist is to dust us off, heal our wounds and send us back out to be Christ’s presence in the world.  That is why the most challenging part of the Mass is the ending where we are sent forth to live what we have celebrated and become Him whom we have received.  This new strength comes as we cooperate with the His grace.  As St. Augustine was writing about the Eucharist, he imagines Jesus saying to him, “you will not, as bodily food, change me into yourself, but you will be changed into me.”  How do you respond to this invitation to be drawn deeply into the life of Christ?  Will you say yes to become the person God created you to be by participating in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, by forgiving and caring about others, and by celebrating each day with all of its joys and sorrows knowing that Jesus walks with you?

Lord Jesus slow us down so that we may experience Your presence among us at Mass and in the many ways you bless us each day.  May our hearts be full of gratitude for all You do for us and all the special people You place in our lives.  With Your help, may we work to bring about Your kingdom here on earth. Amen.

Peace and healings,

Fr. David