7 June The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
“While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take it; this is my body’” (Mk 14:22).
Communion Connection –
Take, bless, break, and give. The fourfold action of Jesus is one that resounds in our minds and hearts as the gift and sacrifice of Jesus at the Last Supper as well as in His passion and death. These four simple words, all on their own, sum up for us the extraordinary and life-giving accomplishment of Jesus, done out of priceless love. It is because of their simplicity that we find we are able to imitate Him. He draws us into the action through them and invites us to do the same. Whether it is around the family dinner table, through our work of ministry, or in the struggles and joys of daily living – we too, can take, bless, break, and give.
Additional Catholic Resources:
- Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron – http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/corpus-christi/844/
14 JuneEleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
“’To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade’” (Mk 3:30-32).
Communion Connection –
When joining in the work of God’s plan of salvation and redemption, the smallest of “seeds” can be become the largest of “plants”. A small group of disciples became the very large Church, the prayer of the faithful may be the root of a miracle, or a small act of kindness can generate a parish community-wide effort. That is the mystery and the beauty of the Kingdom. The ingredients are all within our reach: faith in Jesus Christ, participation in His work, and communion and collaboration among the People of God.
Additional Catholic Resources:
- Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron – http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/walking-by-faith-and-not-by-sight/966/
21 JuneTwelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ The wind ceased and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, ‘Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?’” (Mk 4:30-40).
Communion Connection –
How often we are confused, upset, lost, or even terrified and call out to God to save us! Perhaps at times we are tempted to think that He is not paying attention, or has forgotten us. But ultimately, these experiences only serve to strengthen our recognition of Him and who He is in our lives. He is the creator of all – the source and font of every being and thing that exists. He is the peace and the love that calms all storms and that puts all things into perspective. More often than not, it is in the difficult times that we remember to turn to Him, to depend on Him, and to seek His loving comfort and consolation.
Additional Catholic Resources:
- Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron – http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-storm-at-sea/845/
28 JuneThirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, ‘Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?’ Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid; just have faith’” (Mk 5:35-36).
Communion Connection –
Yes, why trouble Him any longer? We may be lured to give up hope, to give up faith, and to allow the thinking of the world to steer us into either despair or self-dependence. It may seem that we have prayed “enough” and that surely, God is weary of our prayer; perhaps it’s time to take matters into our own hands. But Jesus assures us differently. We learn from Him that God never tires of us, but only loves us more. Those very times when we begin to fear that our request is unanswered are the times that we need to listen to these words again, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”
Additional Catholic Resources:
- Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron – http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/faith-and-the-law/968/
Parish Communion Prayer
Prayer…..