I work a job I don't particularly love. I want to be doing something truly meaningful. I want to somehow make a real impact on society. I'm sure many of you feel just like that.
When I first began this job I met a woman. Her current life situation paralleled a part of my life that had since passed. I couldn't believe the similarities! She was at a crossroads and confided in me....a stranger really. I felt compelled to tell her my story and the regret I feel every day for the choice I made. I hoped it would help her avoid making the same sad choice. It's been a year and so far she has taken my story to heart and has done the opposite. I believe that was God. He took my mistake and turned it into a blessing for someone else.
Today, over a year later, I met a man at work. He asked about my daughter and told me about his children. Somehow in the brief conversation he said "You must be a Catholic!". He said he can see it in my love for others. He then confessed that he and his family had not been to church in awhile. He said they believe, but that it wasn't something they felt they had to do regularly because they celebrate the saints feast days and attend for major holidays. I immediately -- without thinking, asked him a very serious question. The question was "Don't you want to receive Jesus in the Eucharist?" To which he looked stunned and replied that that's what his parish priest says! I told him his priest was right. That Jesus is truly present , body and blood, in the Eucharist and that I cannot survive the week in our world without it! I suggested he Google "Eucharistic Miracles ". He promised he would. I pray this is why we met. I pray that our Lord's message was received. Will you all pray as well? I pray you all go to Mass and receive Jesus in the Eucharist each and every week, at a minimum.
I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."
John 6:48-51 ESV
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."
Matthew 26:26-29 ESV
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