Dear Parishioners

Today we celebrate “THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST”, a big Feast for us Catholics. Jesus promised us to stay with us until the end of time and he is doing just that. He did not think that it was enough to have come from heaven to be with us as a human being, no! He continues to be with us. His is present among us and even within us every time we accept Him. He made himself close, simple, accessible to everyone. I read a poem which expresses this: “God, my friend, my companion. Always you are present, in every moment, you have never been away. God, my friend, my companion…” It is God present in the Eucharist who is the One that is always present, always among us, always available, always loving us.

Today’s readings talk about the covenant that God made with us, with His people. This covenant goes back right to the beginning, and still continues today through Jesus’ Body and Blood. This covenant through which Jesus has opened the door to Heaven for us.

Every time that we receive His Body & Blood, we are accepting His love for us. We are accepting His love that is beyond our understanding, and at the same time it is a love that is very real and practical. We are called to love like Him, with his same generous, available, present love. This is a big challenge, but every day he makes the invitation to love like him, or at least to love better than I loved to my brothers and sisters yesterday. When I accept Him, I am asking Him for His help, His mercy, His forgiveness, His strength. I am not alone; He has promised to be with me all the time.

This weekend 35 children are receiving His Body for first time in their lives. Children from 8 years old. These children have been getting to know who Jesus is through their First Holy Communion program, through their families, through us – their Christian community. They are at the beginning of their friendship and journey with Jesus.  They have been all excited, looking forward to this special day! They have an idea of what it is happening, but I think we are more aware of this great event within their lives.

I hope all of us will be able to accompany these children in their journey with Jesus; our prayers, our Christian testimony, and our love for one another are very important for them to discover the meaning of their faith.

A special CONGRATULATION TO OUR 35 children who are receiving Jesus for first time, thank you for your joy, willingness to learn, spontaneity, enthusiasm. THANK YOU TO OUR GREAT CATECHIST TEAM! Without you… I’d be in trouble! THANK YOU TO PARENTS, it has been a great journey sharing and learning from each other, thank you for your willingness to grow in your faith and be part of your child’s faith journey, thank you for the biscuits, cakes, and laughs!

May we all have a wonderful celebration and have a good week ahead, Anabel Gonzalez, FMVD