Today we celebrate Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of Our Lord. In days gone by, but still today in some parts of the world, this day is celebrated with grand processions carrying the Blessed Sacrament through the city streets. For us the celebration is not so ostentation. Our celebration is probably closer to the way Jesus instituted the sacrament. We celebrate around his table as he did at the last supper. We have communion with him and one another here at Mass. Christ is present in the Blessed Sacrament and we bring him to the world after every Mass.
In our first reading today, we meet the priest Melchizedek who very early in the Bible blesses Abram: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hands.” Genesis then tells us: “Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” That is the beginning of tithing.
Our second reading from 1 Corinthians gives us Paul’s account of the last supper. He tells us that Jesus took bread and then wine and said: “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” And we do this at every Mass.
In our Gospel today, we have the multiplication of loaves. This feeding of the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, prefigures the Last Supper. Jesus feeds many with very little food. “Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd They all ate and were satisfied” and there were even leftovers. It should be noted that Jesus said the blessing but the disciples gave out the food. That continues today.
Once again Congratulations to all of our graduates! We are proud of each and every one of you. Congratulations to all who are continuing on in school both teachers and students. Now that summer is here, watch out for children when you drive.
Every year we plan our Parish Picnic as close to the Feast of St. Augustine as possible. Plan ahead and mark your calendar for Sunday, August 25, 2019 at the Berta Pavilion in St. Patrick’s Park from 12:30 – 6 PM.
I will be on retreat this coming week over in LaPorte at our Holy Cross facility there. Please keep me in your prayers. I will be back Friday afternoon. I will check my email from time to time. So, if you need to contact me, please do so that way. If there is an emergency, you can call Deacon Mel. His phone number is at the end of the Youth Ministry part. My email is on the front of the Bulletin: leonardcollins@att.net.
On Monday the Church celebrates the Nativity of John the Baptist. This comes six months before Christmas, just after the summer solstice when the days begin to grow shorter. Christmas comes at the winter solstice when the days begin to grow longer. Saint Augustine found this date appropriate for after the birth of John, daylight begins to grow shorter, whereas after Jesus’ birth, it begins to increase. Did you know that in Mexico there is a custom of throwing water on people in the street in honor of John the Baptist? People get even wetter than when I sprinkle Holy Water in Church!
On Friday the Church celebrates the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This solemnity emphasizes Jesus’ love for us. It is also a world day of prayer for the Sanctification of Priests.
On Saturday the Church celebrates Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, these two great men gave their lives to building up the early Church.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Father Tolton Prayer:Father in Heaven, Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.
Good News
It was announced in the Vatican that Pope Francis accepted - the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Augustine Tolton, Diocesan Priest; born in Brush Creek (United States of America) on April 1, 1854 and died in Chicago (United States of America) on July 9, 1897. This means that Father Tolton now can be called Venerable. The next step is Beatification. For this a miracle approved by the Vatican is needed. So, keep those prayers coming!