John 6:11 (Eucharist)

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"Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted." John 6:11 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: The Gospel of John chapter six is one of my favorite passages of scripture and has importance for all followers of Christ. The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes is the only miracle found in all four Gospels. Most importantly this chapter stands alone as prefiguring one of the ultimate ends of Jesus' ministry - the Eucharist. In the Eucharist, Jesus is present body, blood, soul and divinity. Eucharist literally means thanksgiving, and we see Jesus model this Sacramental reality for the first time in today's verse. He would later repeat this sign for the Apostles at the last supper, and once again as the Risen Christ with the disciples he meets on the road to Emmaus (in the breaking of the bread they come to know Jesus). With the crowd swelling to over 15,000 men, women and children, Jesus wastes no time preparing them to receive His most important teaching; the teaching on the Eucharist. Jesus goes up to the mountain much like Moses (Numbers 11:13), and He also multiplies the loaves and fishes like the prophet Elisha (2Kings 4:42-44) with the barley bread. He is the new Moses, the new Elisha. It is no wonder the crowd knowing well the stories of the great prophets exclaim, "This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world." But Jesus is much more than the second coming of Elijah; He is preparing all of us to receive the truth that He is the Son of God. Jesus is the source of the bread from heaven (manna in the desert) that will never leave us hungry again.

Faith Challenge: Do you hunger to touch Jesus; to receive Him? You can! Jesus is present body, blood, soul and divinity for each one of us in the Eucharist. Eat and never be hungry again.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: St. Margaret of Costello (May 4th)

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Feast Day: Blessed Gerard of Lunel (d. 13th Century)

Faith Quote: "He is The Bread sown in the virgin, leavened in the Flesh, molded in His Passion, baked in the furnace of the Sepulchre, placed in the Churches, and set upon the Altars, which daily supplies Heavenly Food to the faithful." ~ St. Peter Chrysologus (400-450)

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2 .

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.
* Evangelize:Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.

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