Year for Priests

Pope Benedict XVI has declared a “Year for Priests” beginning with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 2009. The year will conclude in Rome with an international gathering of priests with the Holy Father on June 19, 2010.

With the announcement of this Year for Priests, the Pope has declared St. John Vianney the Universal Patron of Priests on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of the Curé d’Ars. (Source: USCCB)

Corpus Christi

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

June 14, 2009

(Source: Vincentian Reflections, National Conference)

Gospel: (Mark 14: 12-16)

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Reflection:

Jesus’ identity as the suffering servant who obtained redemption for us “with his own blood” is truly the same as his mission – to give of himself without counting the cost, even if its cost is his very body and blood. Self-giving unites identity and mission into the same reality. This solemnity brings us once again to Jesus’ self-giving on the cross and to continued self-giving in the Eucharist, and challenges us to take up Jesus’ mission of self-giving. The Eucharist is the centerpiece of our lives, challenging us: our identity is our mission – self-giving.

Vincentian Meditation:

The Eucharist plays a major role in Vincentian spirituality. This is seen in the lives of St. Vincent and Blessed Frederic.Vincent spent one hour each morning before the Blessed Sacrament before celebrating Mass. He would frequently make short visits to the chapel before leaving and upon returning from his responsibilities. Frederic attended Mass daily whenever possible. Also, with every day, Frederic would make a short visit to the Blessed Sacrament in one of the churches in Paris as he made his way to an appointment. Both Vincent and Frederic discovered what the Church teaches today: the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life; it augmented their union with Jesus, strengthened their charity and committed them to the poor. (US Manual, P.31-32)

Discussion/Journal Entry: (Share your thoughts after a moment of silence)

How can we make the Eucharist play a prominent place in our lives, as it did in Frederic and Vincent’s?

Closing Prayer:

Christ Jesus, your Eucharist is a sign of love,
-may the poor and outcasts find a place at your table.

Christ Jesus, your Eucharist is a sign of unity,
-may we embrace diversity with reverence and open hearts.

Christ Jesus, your Eucharist is a bond of charity,
-may we be living signs of your presence in our midst.

Christ Jesus, your Eucharist is a pledge of future glory,
-may you welcome home all who have died believing in you.

Amen.

Bread of Life

Reflection on the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus

Jesus is the bread from Heaven, the new manna. Jesus said: I am the bread of life, whoever eats this bread shall have eternal life.

When we eat this bread, and drink your blood, we proclaim your death, Lord, Jesus, until you come in glory.

The bread is given from above. Jesus took the bread and said, this is my body, broken for you. Jesus is our daily bread, given to us by the Father.

Give us this day our daily bread.

The bread sustains us. We are God's desert people, lost, looking for the Promised Land. How do we get there? Jesus said: I am the way; Follow me; Love my father, love one another; Do you love me, Peter? Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, grant us your peace.

The bread strengthens us to feed others. When did we see you, Jesus? When I was hungry, and you fed me. Jesus said: For whatever you have done for the least of my brothers, you have done for me.

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.

We are one bread, one body.

Through Jesus, the bread of life, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, forever and ever. Amen.

(Source: original reflection inspired from meditation on morning of June 9, 2009)

Fighting Poverty

On this web page, we've created a new area. called "Fighting Poverty," for links that relate in general to the issue of poverty. Our first link is PovertyUSA, the site sponsored by the U.S. Catholic Bishops.