The Blessed Sacrament-4

Looking for Miracles?

We have the greatest Miracle right among us!

Many people, Catholics and non-catholic alike, run quickly to get to a purported miracle site. The unexplainable image of Mary on an office window drew huge crowds. There were other miracles, as yet not substantiated by the Catholic Church, to which thousands went to seek healing, perhaps, or some other grace. We wonder then, why so few people come to the Table, to receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. This is the greatest miracle of all time! On each altar in every Roman Catholic Church in the world, Jesus comes to us under the simple species of bread and wine.

In order to give Jesus our fullest attention we should be mentally preparing to receive Him when we're still at home, during that hour of fasting before receiving Him in Body and Blood. An act of adoration, or spiritual communion, where you tell Jesus in prayer that you are eagerly awaiting Him, that you would even want to receive Him at that very moment. Part of this meditation or prayer would be acknowledging that we have sinned and that we seek always to be a loyal Son or Daughter of the Father, by trying very hard not to sin. And so, with the peace derived from this short preparation, you come to the Church with open heart and mind.

Be reverend as you enter the church grounds. Be gentle toward others in the parking lot, and as you enter the church or chapel, genuflect or bow when you make the Sign of the Cross with Holy Water, once again asking for God's forgiveness. Follow the prayers, the readings, and the Gospel with rapt attention, listen to the homily even though you've heard one like it a thousand times. At the time of Consecration, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Source: Lifeteen.com

So why look for miracles, when we have the greatest miracle right among us?

I don't know. It seems that some folks look for the sensational. Myself, I find Jesus' presence in my life more than I can handle. Why? Because it is not enough to say "I love you and I adore you, Lord," when we keep on sinning. Every time we sin we drive that nail into His hands and feet a little deeper. Yes, even though we live about 2004 years after Jesus Christ walked the earth in the Middle East, in Israel and Palestine, our sins today contributed to His holy death on the Cross, and He has redeemed us, too, so that we, who strive to live a sinless life may one day partake of the rewards in Heaven He has promised us. And, if we receive Jesus in Holy Communion, while in a State of Grace, He will surely protect us as our difficult lives continue here on earth.

There is no question that life is a challenge. Yes it is difficult, but with His help, we can become holy people even while still on earth. Holiness is evidenced by kindness, consideration, humility, obedience, and all those things which show that we are living the Gospel life. Besides, you don't want others to say that you were a crab, or a person who was always nagging or angry. If you are so criticized, it's time for a personal tune-up. Just like a car... it's time to get overhauled. A silent retreat can do wonders in focusing us once more on Jesus and the life He desires us to live. Then talk to a confessor, or even a good friend, and come back to the parish renewed in spirit and with a smile on your face.

Life is difficult but because we live for Jesus, trying to live His Gospel as He would want us to do, be cheerful, and crack a joke now and then. Laughter has been good medicine for a very long time. That wouldn't be laughter at some of the inappropriate comic routines one sees on TV these days, but laughter at the joy we feel because God is present to us.

Next Sunday, come to Church. If you were baptized Catholic and haven't been to Holy Mass for a long time, go see a priest. He's not going to yell at you. No, he's going to rejoice with you that you have again embraced Jesus as your Lord and Master. Since before the Second Vatican Council (1961-4), priests who may have raised their voices, however appropriate or inappropriate, do not do this anymore. So have no fear. Jesus is present.

Then when you have cleared your soul of all your burdens, you will be able to receive Our Lord Jesus Christ in Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, and you will become a joyful person again.

God bless you! The miracle is here. Come and meet Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass!

Fred Schaeffer, SFO