We grew up learning from others: family and friends, teachers, siblings, and classmates. Like all children, we learned rules, had meltdowns, and wanted to play. We grew up like Jonah, wanting “my” plan—not God’s. When Jesus asked the priest who was a neighbor to the Samaritan, we picture his annoyance as Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.” But the passage could also be read as Jesus being annoyed with the priest.
Growing up, we are distracted from understanding love because we haven’t met God yet. (Luke 3: 46-52). Jesus, understanding God as a loving Father, opens our hearts to the Father’s unbounded love for us. Love grows in us, nourished by the Eucharist.
Generally, the Gospels present two things about Jesus: first, Jesus shows God’s divine love for people, ministering to their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs; second, Jesus tells the leaders, the priests, and Pharisees, to wake up to the presence of God, who is Father to all—and they can’t.
Taking time in the presence of the Eucharist is a game changer. It calms our minds and opens our hearts to how God sees the world, and focusing faith to become our action is our intent.
When did we begin to feel “uncomfortable” with off-the-cuff comments that used to be funny? When did we become aware that people hurt others because it made them feel good? Do you associate it with changing your diet? Needing “new vitamins”? Being nourished by the Eucharist?
Yes, the Eucharist is food, but we consider it revealing life. We embrace the Father’s intent to love us all in the Eucharist.
Let us pray:
Jesus, help me focus my intentions on your intent: doing our Father’s desire. As you walked the earth sharing and showing the Father’s love, guide me today to share that love with others. As you could feel the love of your Father going through you to others, changing their physical and emotional pain to joy, help me to feel the thrill with others as you send me to be present to my sisters and brothers. “For it is in giving that we receive…and are born to eternal life.”
