FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF EASTER MAY 6, 2022

MASS READINGS

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Jn 6:52-59

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his Flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my Flesh is true food, and my Blood is true drink. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

REFLECTION

"Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day."

Is our faith strong enough to believe that when we die we will see God and live forever with Him? I cannot think of anything more precious than an experience at Mass.

What attracts so many to get up early, fight traffic, fast, arrive 15 minutes early, and then receive the Holy Eucharist? Jesus!! We meet Him at Mass, Body and Blood. And in the reverence of His priest we journey to heaven.

Jesus is always ready to love and heal us, but are we ready to receive? Are we aware of our powerful Lord present in the Bread of Life? Know, trust, and participate in Jesus in the Holy Sacrament of Holy Eucharist.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1116, states that Sacraments are “powers that come forth from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in His Body, the Church. They are the ‘masterworks of God ‘ in the new and everlasting covenant.“

If our faith is not there or if we have not yet grasped the truth, or even believe, ask for that grace, that gift. Non-theologians might never explain the Mystery of the Mass but we accept it, live it and are willing to sacrifice for the joy, peace, healing and strength Our Lord brings to our lives.

“Go out to all the world and tell the Good News” (Psalm 117).

Pray that priests will be on fire for Jesus and His sheep. PAPA Prayer for Priests.

God bless you.