Memorial of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament

Today’s gospel (John 16:29-33) possibly should begin with verse 24.  Adding the extra four verses leading into today’s gospel suggests, in today’s terms, that we be proactive. Think, take up YOUR cross, and follow me.  The passage ends with “…I have overcome the world” and unites us with Peter Julian’s words, “Tomorrow will be too late!”

Jesus’s command is straightforward: “Love one another as I have loved you.”  It defines our relationship with God as we do the will of the Father. Also, being present before the Eucharist, we embrace the behavior of “listening with our heart,” sometimes to silence, sometimes to the simplicity of “united to the presence of Christ.”  When joined with the Eucharist, we become a source of prayer and grace which grows, increases, and becomes active in new ways for the world. (Mk 9: 29).

As the Apostle of the Eucharist, Saint Peter Julian lived that experience by his example and taught us with his writings and teachings. This is what we do: believe in the power of prayer, embrace “love one another as I have loved you,” and embrace the behavior of “listening” when present before the Eucharist. Sometimes, we will “hear” things instantly; sometimes, truths grow gradually, but we are always aware of God’s presence within us.

Let us unite with Saint Peter Julian to celebrate the memorial of one of his favorite titles for Mary, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech thee, Oh Lord, thy grace into our hearts. We who come into the presence of the Eucharist may embrace your word, receive your Spirit in our hearts, and witness your love to the world.