Memorial of Saint Paul of the Cross, Priest

Today, start at the beginning of Ephesians to better understand what Paul is teaching in today’s epistle and to comprehend more of Paul’s message. It better emphasizes what Paul is teaching: “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God. “

We live in a time when Christ’s message to us is much more “immediate” to our understanding, and we can feel a response to the Gospel of Luke as we read, “Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.”  There is no better way for us to realize how intimately we respond to Jesus, surrounded by each other, personal guardian angels, and the entire community of saints and angels.

Fortunately for us, Peter Julian’s love of the Eucharist is clearly presented in his teachings, which have been given to us as well, calling us to be sisters and brothers in his teachings and writings, from which we can draw frequently. We have each other to share readings, spend time in retreat when available, and celebrate Feast Days throughout the Church Year.

These are experiences we can share with each other and with people we encounter in gatherings at church, in daily contact at work, and as a presence of Christ in our neighborhoods and extended families. People around us recognize that there is something “different” about us, and that difference is our love of the Eucharist. With Christ within us, we do not need to “put on airs.”

In today’s memorial, we celebrate Saint Paul of the Cross, an Italian mystic and the founder of the Passionists.

Let Us Pray:

Jesus, each time we turn to you, we feel a difference that expresses itself in us physically. We live with the realization that with each Communion, we receive more “seeds of life and encouragement” to bring to others. With each time spent in prayer and adoration, we let the seed of your love blossom and flourish, spreading your presence to others. Continue to release your Holy Spirit into our lives to share with all humankind. Amen.