THE GREATEST GIFT FROM JESUS: THE EUCHARIST! 
Earlier this year during Lent, many of us attended the five-week series on the "GIFT OF THE EUCHARIST", based on talks by Dr. Brant Pitre.  It was a most inspiring presentation followed by discussions in small groups. Due to the closure of churches in mid-March, we held the last two sessions as virtual meetings via Zoom. As our church is gradually re-opening and as many parishioners have been hungry to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, it would be worthwhile to offer the series the “GIFT OF THE EUCHARIST” one more time.  Stay tuned for more details!
 
As I prepared my homily for this weekend's SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST, I was reminded of Dr. Pitre's insights into the EUCHARIST, including his comments on John's Chapter 6, which is central to our understanding of JESUS BEING THE BREAD OF LIFE.  In today's Gospel (John 6:51-58), Jesus compares HIMSELF as LIVING BREAD to the manna God fed the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the desert between Egypt (time of slavery) and the Promised Land. Jesus says: " I AM THE LIVING BREAD that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is MY FLESH for the LIFE of the WORLD... Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood REMAINS IN ME AND I IN HIM... Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will LIVE FOREVER” (6:51 - 6:58). 
 
Jesus could not be more clear. He gives himself totally to us in the Eucharist! The Eucharist is His greatest Gift; it is the source and summit of the Christian Life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1331) states: " The Sacrament of the Eucharist is called HOLY COMMUNION because by this sacrament we unite ourselves to Christ who makes us sharers in HIS BODY AND BLOOD to form a single body.  We enter in COMMUNION WITH HIM, ONE BREAD, ONE BODY, ONE IN CHRIST.”  When we receive the Eucharist, our soul is fed: we become what we receive, we become ONE IN CHRIST.  What an amazing gift!
 
At the young age of 15, St Therese of Lisieux (The Little Flower) wrote to her cousin Marie Guerin, who had scruples to receive the Eucharist because of venial sins, " When the devil has succeeded in keeping a soul from Holy Communion, he has gained all his ends...while Jesus weeps...Remember that this sweet Jesus is there in the Tabernacle expressly for you. Remember He burns with desire to enter your heart...Do not listen to Satan...and go without fear to receive Jesus, the God of Peace and Love."  St Therese' writings are truly inspired by God. What a beautiful way to explain the importance of frequent receipt of the Eucharist (which was not common at that time, this was changed later by Pope Pius X). When we firmly believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist (it is not a symbol), our spiritual lives are transformed. Some of you have shared with me your GREAT JOY as you received the Eucharist after over 12 weeks of being unable to attend Mass...In that context, I am delighted that we could have five Masses last weekend. There are still openings for the Vigil 5 pm, Sunday 8 am and noon Mass this Sunday.   Please note the latest update from the Re-opening Task Force, click here.
 
Dr. Brant Pitre also gave us an amazing insight into the Lord's Prayer: when we pray the fourth petition (there are a total of seven), " Give us today our daily bread", we are in fact praying, "GIVE US TODAY OUR SUPERNATURAL BREAD.”  "Supernatural”, rather than "daily" is a more accurate translation of the Greek EPI-OUSIOS (super-substantial) in the original text of Matthew's Gospel (6:11).  Next time we pray together the Our Father (especially at Mass just before Communion), remember that we are asking God to " give us today our supernatural bread, our heavenly bread which is the Eucharist!”  We need that “heavenly bread” to feel the presence of God in our lives and to find peace of mind.
 
We are excited 50 of our young children will soon receive their First Eucharist (having just received their First Sacrament of Reconciliation).  Do you remember your First Eucharist?  For those of you who will attend Mass this Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, I invite you to receive Jesus as if it were your first time.  When you receive Jesus, spend some time with Him in silent prayer. Listen to the whisper of His voice in your heart.
 
May God continue blessing all of our parishioners in these trying times!
 
One in Christ,
 
Fr. Alain