On this day of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, we usually focus on the Eucharist as being spiritual food provided to the faithful. We speak of the Eucharistic table and meal, of eating the body of Christ and of drinking his blood. The Eucharist is not meant to be a private devotion but rather the enactment of a covenant, the very building up of a community. Faith is not a private matter; we believe together with our Christian community. Truly, as our tradition holds: “The Church makes the Eucharist, and the Eucharist makes the Church.”
Last weekend I saw a faith community come together to celebrate Church, as I celebrated my 10th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. I would like to thank the Ladies Guild members for hosting the wonderful celebrations; all who provided cookies, cake and wine; to the choir for adding one more week to their schedule before summer break; and to all who attended the gatherings. The guests of other parishes were quite impressed with Holy Cross Church! I also thank so many of you for the cards and gifts, and wonderful words of congratulations and encouragement! God bless you all!
Monday is the Feast of the Apostle Barnabas. He was instrumental in helping Saint Paul evangelize and turn Christianity from a branch of Judaism into the largest of the world religions.
Wednesday is the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua. He is best known for his help in finding lost objects. May we learn from him that “actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak.”
Thursday is Flag Day. The American flag was adopted on this day in 1777, and for the past 235 years it has been a cherished symbol of everything this country holds dear. As a nation the United States has its share of problems, disagreements, and failures. Today is a good day to reflect on the sacrifices your ancestors made and consider how you might carry on their work so that future generations may live in the freedom the Stars and Stripes proclaim.
Finally, Friday is the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saturday is the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Celebrate these twin feasts with gratitude for how God loves the world!
Our Responsorial Psalm this week, "I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord," invites us to call upon Jesus at all times, whenever we may need him.
