Sixth Sunday of Easter May 5, 2013
It is clear that we priests simply do not know what we are doing. If we did really knew what we were doing, we wouldn’t be able to stand it. When we say the Words of Consecration and the bread and wine become the physical body of Christ, we could not take it all in if we really knew what we were doing. Given the enormity of it all, no one can see God and live.
St. John Vianney, patron of priests, says this: "If we could comprehend all the good things contained in Holy Communion, nothing more would be wanting to content the heart of man. The miser would run no more after his treasures, or the ambitious after glory; each would shake off the dust of the earth, leave the world, and fly away towards heaven."
Today is First Communion Sunday at Sacred Heart and Saint Alexanders. It is an opportunity for all of us to ponder on this great mystery of the Eucharist, to savor it, and let it soak into our souls.
In his book, "Divine Love Made Flesh: The Holy Eucharist as the Sacrament of Charity, Cardinal Burke says, "Rekindling our wonder at the Holy Eucharist is at the heart of the new evangelization to which we are called at the dawn of a new Christian millennium."
The children will be all dressed up. Moms and Dads and grandparents, sponsors and relative will all come for this special day. The Gospel for today is again the dinner talk at the Last Supper. It is a very earnest and frank discussion. In this intimate setting Jesus tells them that He is going away.
He talks to them about peace. Not the peace of the world, rather peace in their hearts. Do not be afraid, be at peace. Listen to His Words again:
"I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I am coming to you."
Today, after you receive Holy Communion....
Remember that your tongue has received Jesus, that it has touched His Sacred Body. Recall this thought to mind when you feel tempted to speak impatiently, or so as to offend or injure your neighbor; and surely it will keep you from offending Jesus with that tongue which has been sanctified by the touch of His Sacred Flesh. (Fr. F. X. Lasance)
"What does Jesus Christ do in the Eucharist? It is God who, as our Savior, offers himself each day for us to his Father. If you are in difficulties and sorrows, he will comfort and relieve you. If you are sick, he will either cure you or give you strength to suffer so as to merit Heaven. If the devil, the world, and the flesh are making war upon you, he will give you the weapons with which to fight, to resist, and to win victory. If you are poor, he will enrich you with all sorts of riches for time and eternity. Let us open the door of his sacred and adorable Heart, and be wrapped about for an instant by the flames of his love, and we shall see what a God who loves us can do. O my God, who shall be able to comprehend?"
St. John Vianney