We realize the worth of something especially in its absence.
Today, we reflect on the promise of Jesus to us: “I am the bread of life.” Let us remember how much we miss receiving this “bread of life “physically when we cannot attend mass, and let us honor Blessed Imelda, the Patron Saint of First Communicants whose greatest desire was to receive Holy Communion.
Jesus says in the today’s gospel, I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever. Jesus loves us so much that he wants to remain with us always. He does so by continuing to live in us through the Eucharist. Today, during this lock down when we cannot attend mass and receive Holy Communion, we realize our own longing for the Eucharist and the reception of communion. Recently, I was reminded how privileged I am as a priest to celebrate mass and receive communion every day while lay people are confined to their homes. I was reminded when I received a request from a friend asking me to remember her in my prayers when I receive communion.
During this pandemic, I believe it is our duty and privilege as priests to represent the faithful as we offer Eucharist and pray for God’s intervention. Let us be united with each other and with Jesus in “spiritual communion” at this time. We can unite ourselves spiritually to Jesus who offers Himself upon the altar, even if we are not able to make a sacramental communion by receiving the consecrated Host physically.
May the good Lord continue to bless and keep your families safe.
