Paul realized his mission and leadership when he was serving the churches around the basin of the Mediterranean. He knew he worked hard for Christ and that all his work was for Christ and God’s plan. His “farewell tour” and speeches remind us, too, of our role in keeping faithful to the authority of Christ and being vigilant in living our Eucharistic charism.

Jesus continues to pray for the disciples – for us – that we are faithful to the gift we have been given and prayers we live that gift until eternal life. By our living our gift of faith, we show the unity we have and are in Christ. Jesus and Paul knew what they needed to reflect in showing God’s will and mission to their friends. How do we live each day like we need to do the same?

Today Eymard Day by Day also reminds us of our founder’s detachment from his mission – that all must see Christ in our work and be ready to live for others and hear these words from God someday: well done, good and faithful servant.

Each day, we are given the chance to love and share the gift of God’s love, the Eucharist, with one another. Each Mass, we are “dismissed” or sent on mission to live, announce, glorify, and be the peace of Christ in our world. Our “go” is our opportunity to realize we may be leaving for the last time, like Paul, to serve the Lord and one another.

How do we make every Eucharist count? How do we leave a trail of faith whereby others know that they are empowered to “love and serve the Lord” too?

Prayer

Loving God, we pray for the grace to know that everything is yours and everything you give us is for your glory. Teach us still to know the grace and gift of service that we may no longer live for ourselves but for you through Christ our Lord.