Holy Cross Catholic Church

Browsing Daily Reflection

Longing For What is Above, Monday, April 27, 2020: Third Week of Easter

Acts 6:8-15; John 6:22-29

The experience of social distancing and “Safer at Home” mandate has brought us to think deeply about so many things in our life. One that is mostly recurrent is our hunger for the Eucharistic Jesus. Yesterday, with the story of the disciples’ journey to Emmaus, we discovered once more the mystery of the true presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and what it takes when we are fed by Jesus Christ. After listening to Jesus, the disciples no longer wanted to let him go. “Stay with us Lord, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” Listening to the Word of Jesus will always put in our heart the desire to serve others, hunger, and concern for others.

Yet, it is mostly at the breaking of bread that they realize that it was the Lord. Then they returned to share the Good News. It was no longer about them but about Jesus and the requirement of discipleship. Mission stems from baptism but strengthened by communion with Christ. This is what we experience at our Eucharistic celebration, and especially at the end when we are sent off in the love God and to serve one another.

Today’s Gospel reading reminds us what should characterize our hunger and thirst: food that endures for eternal life. We almost always thrive and struggle to provide for earthly joys, comfort, and satisfaction. But Jesus Christ opens our minds and our hearts to make us discover the most essential thing in our life: working for eternal life. The health of soul is an important part of our life that is usually neglected. Today, we are reminded of the importance of the sacraments which are channels through which God continues to pour His mercy and love upon us.

During these trying times, here are some ways we can accomplish the works of God: attending Holy mass online or on TV, reaching out to a community member who is alone, praying for health care personnel as they strive to help those infected by the pandemic, praying for your priests, supporting financially your parish ministry, and so on.

Let us continue to pray for one another, our parish family, and the world.

Fr. Emery