The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (2013)

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, this weekend with great joy and enthusiasm we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord, a very beautiful feast that also gives us the opportunity to unite our intentions to the intentions of our Holy Father Pope Francis. From the Cook Islands to Chile, Burkina Faso, Taiwan, Iraq, Bangladesh, the United States, and the Philippines, the dioceses will be synchronized with St. Peter’s and will pray for the intentions proposed by the Pope. The first is: “For the Church spread throughout the world and united today in the adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist as a sign of unity. May the Lord make her ever more obedient to hearing his Word in order to stand before the world ‘ever more beautiful, without stain or blemish, but holy and blameless.’ That through her faithful announcement, the Word that saves may still resonate as the bearer of mercy and may increase love to give full meaning to pain and suffering, giving back joy and serenity.” The second one: “For those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are victims of war, human trafficking, drug running, and slave labour. For the children and women who are suffering from every type of violence. May their silent scream for help be heard by a vigilant Church so that, gazing upon the crucified Christ, she may not forget the many brothers and sisters who are left at the mercy of violence.” Today let us reflect and give thanks for the miracle of the Eucharist, let us give thanks that Our Lord wanted to stay with us forever. If our parish community is not focused on the love of the Eucharist, in the love of our blessed Mother the Virgin Mary and in service to the needy, everything else is useless, a waste of time. As parish community, let us ask to the Lord that in His mercy He grant us the gift of being souls of Eucharist, attending the celebration of Sunday Mass with more love, devotion and reverence; spending more time in front of the tabernacle, in prayer, in silence, in reparation for personal sins and the sins the world. ■ Fr. Agustin, pastor.