First Reading: Acts 7. 51-8.1
Psalm 31
Gospel: John 6.30-35
The Holy Father Pope Francis said: “Stephen was able to forgive his killers because, full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and opened his eyes to God (see. Acts 7:55). He received from prayer the power to endure martyrdom. We must persevere in prayer to the Holy Spirit, that he pours out on us the gift of strength which heals our fears, our weaknesses, our pettiness, and expands our heart to forgive. Always to forgive!”
(Angelus, 26 December 2018)”. In today’s Gospel, Jesus says “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (Jn 6.35). This reminds us that we, as Christians and followers of Christ, we need
a continuous walk of faith, a journey all our lives, both in
thick and
thin times, notwithstanding, what may
come. The book of Revelation says: “If anyone opens the door to me, I will come in and have supper with him/her” (Rev 3:30).
The Eucharistic banquet is a continuation of the Old Testament message. In this regard Isaiah said: “come to eat and drink and be filled” (see Is 53:1ff). Even in this particular moment of pandemic crisis, Christ is inviting us to receive Him not sacramentally, but to open to Him the doors of our homes and hearts and make Him dwell within us.
I INVITE YOU THEREFORE, TO SAY THIS PRAYER OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION:
“
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You”. AMEN.