Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

November 7, 2026

Paul is rejoicing that the Philippians have at last revived their concern for him (Philippians 4:10). And then, he says: “It is not that I am eager for the gift; rather, I am eager for the profit that accrues to your account” (v. 17). What he received from them he calls “an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (v. 18). Paul endured, trusting that his need was God’s way of blessing the Philippians by giving them a chance to care for him.

Their care for Paul reminded me of a beautiful song: “Remember Me” by Sarah Hart. The lyrics are written as if Jesus were speaking to us. It begins with the message from the Last Supper: “Do this in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24), then tells us to bring Him to the dark places, in need of love, and in need of hope. One line in the song always touches a deep place in my heart: “Do not forget I am with the lowly. Remember me to them.”

Jesus wants us to receive Him, and then to remember Him to the world He loves. This is what it means to become Eucharist. We don’t receive Him to make a tent and stay (cf. Matthew 17:4); we are sent. He wants to love through us.

“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

What about when we are the ones suffering, waiting for someone to meet our needs? What strikes me about Paul’s letter is that his joy comes not from having his needs met, but from knowing others are storing treasures in heaven because of him (cf. Matthew 6:19-20). He knows they need giving. In his loving patience, Paul is being Eucharist.

Let Us Pray:

Lord, may your Eucharistic presence revive our concern for the least of our brothers and sisters, so that we may share your love. Amen.