Father Michael's Weekly Reflection

Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. (Jn. 6:53)

This Sunday is the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Every year we celebrate our faith in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Every particle of the consecrated host contains His body, blood, soul and divinity. When we eat regular food, it becomes part of us. On the contrary, when we receive the Eucharist we are transformed into Him.

Cardinal Van Thuan left us a remarkable testimony of faith. As a prisoner of war, he would celebrate Mass with a few particles of bread and drops of wine. He prayed the Mass by heart. His communion with the Lord sustained him through the harshest living conditions. The Eucharist gives us the fortitude we need to resist temptation and practice virtue. The Bishops have challenged us to "walk with one."  If each of us invited one person to Mass, our Masses would look like Christmas and Easter. 

Questions for Reflection:

• Do I give myself an excuse not to attend Mass?
• Do I still watch Mass virtually even though I can attend in person?
• Do I make a weekly Holy Hour or attend Mass at least one time during the week?