August 3, 2008
Dear Parishioners,
The miracle of the loaves and fishes focuses us on the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. These words from today’s Gospel foreshadow the words of the Holy Mass: “…and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples,…” (see Mt. 13: 13- 21) At each Mass the Priest (alter Christus – other Christ; the icon of Christ) repeats these gestures as he consecrates the bread and then distributes the multiplied Body and Blood of the Lord for us in Holy Communion. Each day a Catholic priest has this privilege to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and to distribute this precious gift of our Lord’s Presence.
Jesus said that the apostles should feed the people. The Apostles did their part and brought the five loaves and two fish – they obeyed the Lord. Because of this obedience, there was more than enough food for the crowd of over 5,000. Here the Lord provided just bread, but in every Holy Mass He provides the “Living Bread” which feeds us for eternal life. St. Jose Escriva asks: “What if this Communion were your only Communion in your entire life?” How do we prepare for this great meeting with the Lord, our King, His Majesty?
Are we growing in our appreciation for the Real Presence of Jesus so that nothing will separate us from the love of Christ as St. Paul writes to the Romans in today’s second reading? Are we spending quality time with Him at Mass and in Adoration so that we can be like St. John at the last Supper, leaning our heads on His chest? Are we aware of the import of the Most Holy Eucharist and does that awareness lead us to “amazement.” Here are a few questions of examination which can help us to better appreciate the gift of the Holy Eucharist:
How do we honor the Lord’s day? Let’s not call it “weekend Mass”; let us call it “Sunday Mass.” How do we really rest in the profound spiritual way intended by the commandment to “honor” the Sabbath.
When we make our pilgrimage down the aisle, are our hearts burning to receive Jesus in Holy Communion? What do we do to properly cultivate an “amazement” that the Lord stays with us and in us?
Do we prepare for our pilgrimage to our Eucharistic Lord with devout confessions?
Do we spend time in preparation for Mass, in thanksgiving after Mass, in Eucharistic adoration outside of Mass with simple visits to the Eucharistic Lord?
Are we developing a Eucharistic spirituality?
Do our families spend time together at Mass?
Do our families guard their own physical meals together to commune naturally and supernaturally with each other as the domestic church or do we just “feed.”?
Do we practice the art of prayer? Do we teach it to our young ones?
Do we strive for the “high standard of holiness?
Are we excited about the new evangelization, the mission and the life of the Church?Let’s reflect on the miracle of the multiplication of the Holy Eucharist and the privilege we have to grow ever closer to our Eucharistic Lord. God bless and may our Lady keep you in her tender care.
With my prayers,
Father Arnsparger