What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?
In today’s Gospel the people were asking for a sign so they
could believe that Jesus was really sent by God.
And Jesus said, I’ll give you a sign: bread. But not just any
bread. Bread that is my flesh. Bread that is my body and blood and soul and
divinity.
Pope Benedict XVI wrote about the Eucharist that “The
Eucharist means God has answered: The
Eucharist is God as an answer, as an answering presence.”
In the Eucharist, God answers our prayers to know that He is
with us in our challenges, crosses, temptations, doubts, and disappointments.
He is with us in our struggle to love our enemies, forgive those who hurt us,
give to those who ask of us. The Eucharist is God’s answer to man’s question
“where can I find God, now, and believe in him”.
In the Eucharist, the Word become flesh has made his
dwelling among us, and we can see his glory. In the Eucharist, the Lord’s
teaching is fulfilled that, “behold, I am with you always, until the end of the
age”. In the Eucharist, we come to understand how Jesus is Emmanuel, God-with-us.
The Church’s use of John Chapter six during this easter
season is so fitting, therefore, because it answers how the risen Christ, who
appeared to the disciples, can now be glimpsed and approached and adored and received
by us, by all people.
So many of our contemporaries are starving for God; they go
from one unsatisfying pursuit to another, searching for God—even to the point
of self-destruction in some cases. All the while, God is here, present on the
altar, present in the tabernacle, able to be received by those who believe in
Him. God has given the sign for all those able and willing to see.
During the Easter season we certainly pray for a deeper
appreciation and gratitude for God’s answer to humanity’s longing, which is now
such a source of strength and joy for the Church. But we also consider how our Easter mission is to lead souls
here—how God’s grace impels us into the world, to help souls find Christ in the
Eucharist—so they like us can find the answer to desires and longing for God,
for wholeness, and peace, and joy, and the promise of eternal life, for the
glory of God and the salvation of souls.
Trusting in Christ’s true presence among us in the
Eucharist, we present our prayers and petitions to our Heavenly Father.
That the Church around the world may be a visible sign of
the light of the Risen Lord calling all people to new life and communion with
Him, and for the Holy Spirit’s guidance for the college of Cardinals as they
prepare for the conclave and the papal election.
For leaders of nations, that they may be guided by the
wisdom and love revealed in Christ’s Eucharistic sacrifice, promoting justice,
peace, and dignity for all people.
For priests and those preparing for priestly ministry, that
their hearts may be strengthened and their lives continually transformed by the
Eucharist, the source of their joy and priestly identity, and for an increase
in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
For married couples and families, that the self-giving love
of Christ made present in the Eucharist may inspire and sustain their love and
fidelity to one another.
For those experiencing spiritual hunger, loneliness, or
despair, that they may encounter Christ, finding in him nourishment, peace, and
fulfillment for their souls.
For those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, that they may
draw comfort and strength from Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and from the charitable
giving of the Body of Christ.
For our beloved dead, especially Pope Francis, that they may
share in that eternal life promised to those who ate and drank the body and
blood of Christ.
Gracious Father, hear our prayers. Nourish us continually
with your Son’s presence in the Eucharist, and grant us the grace to lead
others to this divine source of eternal life. We ask this through Christ our
Lord. Amen.
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