Earlier this week, we celebrated the feast of Saint Peter Julian Eymard, whose profound insights into the Eucharist inspired so many to find in this Mystery the energy and the impulse to reach out in loving service to those who are hungry, isolated, lonely, and in need of love and mercy. He founded the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, the Sister Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, and the Aggregation of the Blessed Sacrament, who globally continue to make Eymard’s mission vibrant even today.
Today’s Responsorial Psalm encourages us as we seek to find encouragement:” The Lord will guard you as a shepherd guards his flock.” How does the Shepherd guard the flock? He is close to them. He knows their needs, their fears, their hopes, and their aspirations. The shepherd seeks out what is good, what is true, what is beautiful for the sheep he loves.
As I was preparing this reflection, I looked at the feasts which the Church offers us this month. We celebrate the feasts of 16 founders of religious institutes whose focus, energy, and love drew others to them and their charism. In the 5th century, Saint Augustine founded the Augustinian Friars. In the 13th century, Dominic Guzman founded the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), and Saint Clare founded the Contemplative Poor Clares. In the 18th century, Saint Alphonsus Ligouri established the Redemptorists, and Jeanne de Chantal founded the Order of the Visitation. In the 19th century, a myriad of religious institutes were established. Blessed Edmund Rice established the Christian Brothers, Jeanne Jugan the Little Sisters of the Poor, Sr. Maria de Mattias the Adorers of the Precious Blood, and Sr. Mary Mackillop the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart.
All these founders found their source of comfort and support in the Eucharist and mandated that their followers do the same in the daily celebration of the Eucharist.
Let Us Pray:
Lord, God of all creation, you promised to send shepherds to guide the flock you have chosen as your own. From every time and place, you have raised up women and men, inspired by your love and the inherent dignity of every human person. They have been your presence in healing the suffering, feeding the hungry, instructing the ignorant, caring for the abandoned, and giving hope to those who have no resources. Give us an abundance of your grace to continue their ministry of love, care, hospitality, and hope. Amen.
