https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052725.cfm
“Grief Has Filled Your Hearts.”
It’s a simple task to bring to mind a moment when we lost a family member or a dear friend. The grief that fills our hearts in those moments is truly overwhelming. Jesus, in his final moments with the disciples, spoke of his impending departure. If I were there, I would have recalled the three times he predicted His agonizing death. The weight of this news would have been unbearable, bringing all life to a standstill.
But then, Jesus promised to return to us and send His Holy Spirit, our constant guide. I experienced this promise come to life during a moment of adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, particularly when I was grieving the loss of my family members. In an instant, I felt their presence in my heart, a truly incredible experience.
Then I realized how this happened. It goes like this: In the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass, the priest, with his hands held over the bread and wine, says, “Send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts to make them holy, that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.” These elements become Jesus, His Body, and Blood at the consecration.
St. Paul teaches us that the Church is the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ is in heaven, including my family and yours. In Holy Communion, the priest or minister holding up Jesus says, “The Body of Christ.” We say, “Amen.” And at that moment, we receive everyone in heaven, including our parents, relatives, and friends.
At that moment in the chapel, I realized that the Body of Christ, Jesus, the Head, and all the Church members are in my soul. How incredible is Jesus! He returns to us in Holy Communion and brings all our loved ones with Him. They stay with us, and I have found they intercede for us in all we do.
When I receive Jesus in Holy Communion, I want to be free of sin, so I am worthy of Jesus, my Mom and Dad, and all my relatives and friends. It’s an act of love and thanksgiving for all they did and meant to me. So regular Confession is a real friend.
Gospel Challenge:
When you receive Jesus and your family and friends in Holy Communion, thank Jesus. I promise they are closer to you and me in Holy Communion than all their moments on this earth.
Love One Another!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
