Memorial of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament
Today, the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament celebrates Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, a very special title to Saint Peter Julian Eymard. The “Masses of the Congregation” booklet contains special readings and prayers. We also celebrate the founding of the Congregation in 1856. However, today’s reflection is based on the readings for Saturday of the 5th Week of Easter. (editor’s note)
The Scriptures continue focusing on the Apostles’ mission proclaiming the Good News and increasing the number of followers. It is incredible to think of the many miles they traveled preaching the Good News! Paul even heeded the vision he received in a dream and traveled to Macedonia when he heard the words, “help us.” That call to “help us” persists in our day as we hear the cries of victims of loneliness, hunger, war, or devastation. How can we respond to that call and support our needy brothers and sisters?
The Gospel also speaks to the challenges in our world today. Can we possibly change the world and rid it of the sin of “self.” We Christians believe we can help rid sin by living God’s love. It is God’s love and mercy that opens the eyes of the sinner. We’ve all heard the harsh expression, “kill them with kindness.” If kindness can change one’s heart and help end discord, then the love and mercy of God through us can also overcome sinfulness. It is disheartening to think of the world ‘hating us’ unless we can truly live our lives devoted to our Savior and strive to bring his message of love, mercy, and peace to all.
“In the words we say, ‘Do this in memory of me’ we hear the call to go forth and be broken and poured in service to the world – our own eucharistic sacrifice.” (A Eucharistic Spirituality, Paul Bernier, SSS and Jim Brown, M.A.) We are urged to go forth and be broken and to actively live the Gospel through acts of love, mercy, kindness, and generosity.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father: I joyfully offer you my praise and thanksgiving for creating me and the gift of faith you have placed in my heart. Today, I rededicate myself to you, knowing you are caring for me, one of your beloved sheep, and I believe your kindness, love, and faithfulness will live on forever. Amen.
