Dear parishioners and visitors:
We have read, listened and prayed with the gospel of St. John chapter 6, the Eucharist Discourse, for the last three Sundays. In this Sunday’s gospel, Jn. 6:51-58, Jesus first makes a clear, firm and strong statement about the true bread of life: “The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” (v. 51) then gives a solemn and great promise of eternal life to those who eat of this bread: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks of my blood has eternal life.” (v.54)
Reflecting upon Jesus’ teaching in St. John’s gospel chapter 6, St. Cyril of Alexandria (370-412) says: “Do not doubt whether this is true, but rather receive the words of the Savior in faith, for since He is the truth, He cannot lie.”
When you come up to receive the Holy Communion, please remember to respond with “Amen” when the priest or the Extraordinary Minister of Communion says, “The Body of Christ”. In this way you gratefully and devoutly make an act of faith to the true presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Then having received our Lord with reverence and gratitude, you return to your place to spend some time quietly, silently and prayerfully in communion with our Lord.
Have a blessed week. Fr. Peter Hoan Nguyen.