Consecration at the celebration of my 50th
First Communion
This Sunday is First Communion time here at St. Mary’s – another group of eight year olds will receive the Blessed Eucharist in Holy Communion for the First Time. It is always such a wonderful day – as they come all dressed up – families all sitting together – after several years of coming up the aisle at Communion time – and being blessed – they are now welcomed to receive Holy Communion. I am reminded of one of my favorite stories – of a father carrying up his young daughter – too young for Holy Communion – and as they reached the front of the aisle – this little girl shouted – “I want the Body of Christ.” It certainly reminded everyone in the Communion line of just what they were about to receive.
First Communion Sunday is a great opportunity for me to remind everyone of just what a gift we have in this wonderful sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. At the Last Supper, after giving the apostles His Body and Blood in that first Eucharist – Jesus commanded, “Do this in memory of me.” The Church has obediently followed that command ever since.
Each Eucharist is a miraculous moment in my life – as I consecrate the bread and wine, through my ordination as a priest – and I give thanks to my God for my priesthood – Eucharist does mean thanksgiving – a thanksgiving moment for me – that Jesus remains with us Body and Blood in this magnificent sacrament – and that I am allowed to celebrate this sacrament – and bring this Eucharist to the people of my parish. Thank you, God, for the Holy Eucharist – may these young people as well as all the people of this parish recognize your presence and welcome you into their lives to help, support, nourish and enliven their faith.
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Just a quick note concerning the Gospel reading for this Sunday, the Seventh Sunday of Easter – this reading is a part of the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus at the Last Supper – written in the 17th Chapter of John’s Gospel. Jesus prays for us – he prays to the Father – “for those who will believe in me through their word.” We are united with that first group of people who heard the teaching of the apostles – as well as all those throughout the centuries who have listened and believed – and now it is us, you and I, for whom Jesus prays – that we may believe and live in the message and Spirit of Our Savior.
In this prayer, Jesus prays especially for unity, “So, that they may all be one, as you, Father are in me and I in you – that the world may believe that you sent me.” Our unity as Catholics and Christians in the Church is a proclamation of our faith in Jesus for all peoples to see – by our lives we demonstrate our faith that Jesus was sent by the Father as Savior and Lord. By the way we live our lives we proclaim that Jesus is Our Savior.
Unity does not mean uniformity – true unity cannot be achieved in a community which denies difference – unity is achieved when each member – though very different – contributes their gifts – their different gifts – all being united around the same goal by mutual love. We must welcome each others gifts. May we be truly united that we may bring the love and peace of Jesus to this world – to our part of the world.
LET US PRAY
Almighty God, my Father – I pray this day that I may be a leader who brings unity to my parish and to your Church – give me the wisdom and fortitude to bring the presence of Jesus and the life of the Spirit to all those who come to me – may my celebration of the Eucharist truly change the world by changing the hearts of those who celebrate Eucharist with me. This is my prayer. Amen.
Please join me as we say together the Lord’s Prayer
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