SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026

16th JUNE 2026

1 king 21 | progressiveredneckpreacher

TUESDAY, ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

1 Kgs 21:17-29 Ps 51:3-6,11,16 Mt 5:43-48

GREED TO GRACE

Fatal land disputes often arise from familial tensions or long standing hostility over property, sometimes ending in shocking violence. In January 2026, a 62-year-old man was beaten to death by relatives in Mandya, Karnataka. Such incidents, brothers hiring attackers, sons turning against fathers, and deadly clashes over possession are sadly becoming common. It reveals a disturbing truth that we are often not content with what we are given; instead, we are greedy and encroach into another’s property and claim it as our own, losing sight of justice, compassion and peace.

The first reading mirrors this tragic reality. Ahab and Jezebel, driven by a lust for possession, falsely accuse and kill Naboth of Jezreel, for what seems almost absurd, merely a piece of land to grow vegetables. The reason appears so tiny, yet the sin is so grave. In the pursuit of gain, the dignity of human life is forgotten. As Pope Francis reminds us in Fratelli Tutti, “The world exists for everyone, because all of us were born with the same dignity.” Yet the readings do not end in sin; they open a door to grace. The intervention of Elijah awakens Ahab’s conscience. He recognizes his wrongdoing, repents, and humbles himself. Remarkably, the wrath of God is tempered. Here lies hope that no sin is beyond redemption when the heart turns back and seeks mercy.

The Gospel takes us even deeper. It is human to retaliate and to seek revenge, but to forgive and pray for those who persecute us is divine. As Saint Augustine once exclaimed, “To withhold forgiveness is to take poison and expect the unforgiven to die.” Jesus invites us to this higher path. He knows that hatred poisons the heart, while forgiveness heals it. To carry anger is to burden oneself; to forgive is to be set free and to reclaim one’s peace. Perfection, then, is not in power or possession, but in becoming like the Heavenly Father, merciful, patient, and loving. Though sinners we are, each day offers us a chance to rise, to love beyond measure, and to choose life over destruction, grace over hatred and peace over revenge.

Response: Have mercy, O Lord, for we have sinned.

June 14, 2026June 14, 2026

15th JUNE 2026

Bible Fun For Kids: Elijah & Naboth's Vineyard

MONDAY, ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

1 Kgs 21: 1-16 Ps 5: 2-7 Mt 5: 38-42

MY RESPONSE TO INJUSTICE

In today’s first reading, Ahab and opens up a negotiation with Naboth about his vineyard in Jezreel. Ahab makes an offer to Naboth to give him a better vineyard. Naboth tells the king that he is unable to agree to his request, due to “ancestral inheritance.” Ahab goes home “resentful and sullen” (v 4). His wife Jezebel looked at the situation differently. She saw land as a commodity. The crown had a privileged claim and instructs her husband to act like a king. He has a right to the vineyard if he would like it.

Israelite law was based on the principle that the land belonged to YHWH and whom he had given it. Naboth had the law to support him in his right to maintain ownership of his ancestral land. This may not have always been respected. In Lev 25:8 22 if a person was incapable to repay a debt, his land could be taken from him. Even in such cases, attempts were made to honour original ownership. For example, the law of Jubilee. Jezebel in her craftiness, sets up false witnesses who claim that Naboth had cursed God and the king (v 10). It was not difficult to find two people willing to fabricate the truth, so Naboth is condemned and killed. Ahab was happy to obey his wife and take possession of the ill-gotten vineyard. An abuse of power, injustice and open violence against the innocent.

In today’s responsorial Psalm, a person who is unjustly accused appeals to YHWH. He does not boast or proclaim about his innocence. He entrusts himself to God’s justice. In Ps 5:4 we are told that “For you are not one who wills evil.” We will bring destruction upon ourselves when we do not conform or live according to the truth. When we are insulted or treated badly, Christ invites us to respond as Jesus did. In the second instance, He invites us to choose generosity. We do not always need to defend our rights. Jesus invites us as his disciples to use our freedom to serve others, even when injustice is done to us. What is my response?

Response: O Lord, give heed to my sighs.

June 13, 2026June 13, 2026

14th JUNE 2026

SUNDAY, ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Ex 19: 2-6 Ps 100: 1-3, 5 Rom 5: 6-11 Mt 9:36–10:8

MISSIONARY DISCIPLES

Jesus sends out the twelve apostles to the lost sheep of the house of Israel and proclaim, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand”. Paul says in the second reading, “that while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly”. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. And though Christ completed His work of redemption, he entrusted the proclamation of the Kingdom of heaven to his apostles.

Two thousand years after Jesus who came to seek and save his people, there are still lost sheep out there. And the work entrusted to His apostles is not yet complete. But this has been passed on from generation to generation for us to participate in. But who are these lost sheep. Each of us, each one of us, is that little lost lamb, the coin that was mislaid; each one of us is that son who has squandered his freedom on false idols, illusions of happiness, and has lost everything. But God does not forget us, the Father never abandons us. He is a patient father, always waiting for us! (Homily of Pope Francis on Lk 15, 15-Sep-2013) And while we were still lost, while we were still weak, and were unable to reach God because our own weakness, Christ died for us, reconciling us to the Father and saving us by His life. We can now rejoice in God (Rom 5:11) for this amazing blessing we have received. It is this joy in being found that Jesus calls us on to share with others. Let’s take time to recognize our weakness and what Christ has done for us in uniting us back to the Father. This recognition brings us joy that is everlasting. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (Jn 15:11)

As Jesus sent his apostles to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand and to share their joy with others, we are also being sent out by the same Lord. But sometimes we feel unequipped or unsure and even at times totally afraid if we are to really proclaim the Kingdom of heaven publicly before others, who watch us, who judge us, who ridicule us, or to embrace the easy option of keeping the faith silently unto ourselves without taking the risk of openly living it, much less proclaiming it. If we feel like this, let us take some encouragement from what Pope Fracis would say: In virtue of their baptism, all the members of the People of God have become missionary disciples (cf. Mt 28:19). Every Christian is challenged, here and now, to be actively engaged in evangelization; indeed, anyone who has truly experienced God’s saving love does not need much time or lengthy training to go out and proclaim that love. Every Christian is a missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered the love of God in Christ Jesus: we no longer say that we are “disciples” and “missionaries”, but rather that we are always “missionary disciples”. (Evangelii Gaudium, section 120) This said experience of the love of God is so powerful that it can turn even a highly timid individual into a powerful and bold proclaimer of God’s immense love. This experience happens most often in prayer. We are called and welcomed to encounter the love and blessing of God every time we come to prayer. The biblical incident of Jacob wrestling with the angel of God and Jacob’s demand that “I will not let you go, unless you bless me” (Gen 32:26) is deeply inspiring. Looking at it from a different perspective, we cannot but notice that God wants to bless us and meet us where we are. Let us take heart in this truth, even if the world and the devil tempt us to doubt this.

Today’s Gospel opens with “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few (Mt 9:37). Jesus invites you to be that laborer and proclaim his work of salvation. The best part of this invitation for us today is that as Jesus sends us out, He gives us His Holy Spirit to guide us. Let us begin to lean on the Holy Spirit and begin to share the joy we receive from our own relationship with Jesus to one another, both in words and actions. Let us boldly practice being “missionary disciples.” In the end, the harvest belongs to God, and He alone gives growth. Our task is to answer His call with trust and generosity. If we stay close to Christ in prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, then even our small acts of witness can bear fruit. So let us go forth as joyful laborers, carrying not our own message, but the good news that the Kingdom of heaven is truly at hand.

Response: We are his people, the sheep of his flock.

June 12, 2026June 12, 2026

13th JUNE 2026

The Immaculate Heart of Mary

SATURDAY, TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1 Kgs 19: 19-21 Ps 16: 1-2, 5, 7-10 Lk 2: 41-51

THE POWER OF QUIET FAITHFULNESS

Elisha was ploughing when the mantle touched him. It was an ordinary day with dust, sweat, twelve yoke of oxen and the steady rhythm of work. Then Elijah passed by and everything changed. No speech, no explanation. Just a mantle laid across his shoulders. And Elisha understood. He burned the plough, shared a final meal, and followed. Most of us are not standing in temples or monasteries when God calls. We are in fields of responsibility which are our jobs, family routines, unfinished tasks. The word of God teaches us that God meets us there. The call is often quiet, almost hidden, like a mantle lightly resting on the heart. The question is simple: will we notice, and will we respond?

Young Jesus stayed behind in the temple, listening and asking questions. Mary and Joseph searched in sorrow. When they found Him, He spoke of His Father’s business. Yet He returned home and lived in obedience at Nazareth. Hidden, ordinary, sacred years. There is something deeply meaningful here. A great call does not always remove us from daily duties. Elisha followed Elijah in service. Jesus returned to Nazareth in obedience. Mary kept everything in her heart. The true work of God often unfolds in silence, fidelity, and hidden love. Following St. Teresa’s example, we see that holiness often grows in ordinary tasks, in the simple rhythms of home and work. The heart becomes a sacred cell, a place where God’s presence dwells. Through patient prayer and faithful attention to small duties, the soul is gradually formed, drawn ever closer into divine commitment.

Perhaps today the mantle rests gently on you; in a nudge toward deeper prayer, a call to forgive, a longing for more silence. Do not despise small beginnings. Burn what holds you back. Seek Him when He seems far away. And like Mary, keep His words in your heart. The Father’s business is often carried out in quiet faithfulness. In this hidden life, every moment is sacred. Slowly, the soul learns to rest in Him, discovering that connection with God is found in humility and surrender.

Response: It is you, O Lord, who are my portion.

June 11, 2026June 11, 2026

12th JUNE 2026

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - St. Therese of Lisieux Church

FRIDAY, TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Solemnity of the MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

Dt 7: 6-11 Ps 103: 1-4, 6-8, 10 1 Jn 4: 7-16 Mt 11: 25-30

THE SACRED HEART AND THE MEANING OF LOVE

Words such as “love” and “heart” are used so often today that they easily lose their force. They may describe attraction, friendship, emotional comfort, family affection, or even selfish desire. At times they are reduced to passing feeling or private satisfaction. Yet in the Christian tradition these words have a deeper and richer meaning. They reveal a love that gives itself completely, remains faithful in suffering, and seeks the good of the other without reserve. The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus invites us to recover this deeper meaning by contemplating the heart of Christ as the living sign of God’s unconditional love for humanity.

After the holy seasons of Lent and Easter, during which the Church proclaims the mystery of God’s saving love, she places before us the humanity of Jesus Christ for our prayerful reflection. This is not a mere return to sentiment, nor a devotion centered on emotion alone. It is an invitation to enter the mystery of the Incarnate Word, whose whole human life reveals the Father’s mercy. The Sacred Heart does not point to a fragment of Jesus’ experience, but to his entire person: body, mind, will, soul, and affection, all offered in love for our redemption. Biblically, the heart is much wider in meaning than a momentary feeling or the language of romance. In Scripture, the heart is the center of the person, the place of thought, decision, intention, and relationship with God. When we speak of the Heart of Jesus, we speak of the total selfhood of the Son made flesh, living in perfect obedience to the Father. His heart is the heart of one who chose always to do God’s will, even when that path led to suffering and death. In this heart we see the full truth of love: not self-seeking desire, but self-giving communion.

The uniqueness of the Heart of Jesus becomes clear when we consider the tragedy of sin at the beginning of human history. Our first parents were tempted to reject trust and to seize equality with God on their own terms. They chose independence from the Creator, and that choice introduced division, alienation, and death into human existence. In contrast, Jesus freely embraced obedience. Where Adam disobeyed, Christ obeyed. Where humanity turned inward in pride, Christ turned outward in love. His heart represents humanity restored to its original vocation: to live in communion with God and to do the Father’s will. This obedience was not abstract. It passed through real suffering, rejection, humiliation, and the cruel death of the cross. Jesus took upon himself the full weight of human rebellion and pain. He entered into the darkness of human brokenness and endured it in love. In this way, he included all the sufferings that any one of us might ever bear. The cross is therefore not only a sign of agony, but also the supreme revelation of divine mercy. In Jesus, God’s face is revealed as meek, humble, and compassionate.

The early Christians saw this mystery with deep clarity. For them, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus were not isolated events but one movement of obedient love. The cross revealed the cost of human sin and the depth of divine forgiveness. The resurrection revealed the Father’s answer to the Son’s faithful self-offering. Thus Jesus is raised above all, not by worldly success or human acclaim, but by the power of love victorious over sin and death. This divine logic is often hidden from the wise and the powerful, but it is known by the humble, the trusting, and the childlike.

John’s Gospel helps us understand the response this mystery asks of us. To honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus is not simply to venerate an image. It is to enter the pattern of Christ’s own life. We are called to love as he loved, to serve as he served, and to lay down our lives in little and great ways for the sake of others. May the prayer of the Church become our own: Lord Jesus, make my heart like unto thine. Make it ready to sacrifice comfort, to share generously with the poor and to serve joyfully without counting the cost. May your Sacred Heart dwell in us, so that our lives may become a witness to your love in a world that longs for healing, dignity, and peace.

Response: The mercy of the Lord is everlasting
upon those who hold him in fear.

June 10, 2026June 10, 2026

11th JUNE 2026

The Feast of St. Barnabas – Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica

THURSDAY, TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

St Barnabas, Apostle and Martyr

Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3 Ps 98: 1-6 Mt 5: 20-26

WHAT YOU RECEIVED FREELY, OUGHT TO BE GIVEN FREELY!

The church of Jerusalem upon hearing the first conversions sent delegates to Antioch to ensure whether this new missionary development was the work of God. The person chosen for this special task was Barnabas, whose memorial we celebrate today. The enthusiasm of Barnabas confirms that conversions in the church of Antioch was the work of God. Barnabas is also known as the “Son of encouragement”. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. He encouraged the faithful of Antioch and took a further step on, i.e. he went and looked for Saul and brought him to Antioch, to continue the spread of the Kingdom of God.

It is only when one is selfless, he/she looks for the good of others, and this virtue can be seen in Barnabas. He works together with Saul in Antioch in the responsibilities of teaching in the church. We also see the beauty of the Church of Antioch; it was united in heart and mind. The prophets and teachers encouraged the community and educated the faithful in the rudiments of Christian truth. Barnabas however played his role to the full. All that he received freely from God, he gave freely. To encourage others means forgetting oneself and allowing others to grow. It is taking one-step behind in order to let others go forward. Though later on we see there was a dispute between Barnabas and Paul about John Mark (Acts 15:39), Barnabas withdraws quietly to his mission without being a hindrance to Paul, who by now had become very famous missionary. Both separate, yet carry out the work of God as God desired for them.

Barnabas invites us to be faithful to the grace of God within us. Sometimes the light within us may seem very small compared to the darkness around us. However, can a moth fail to be drawn by the lamp of even the smallest kind? It does not hinder it, because it is the darkness that accentuates the lamp’s brightness. Therefore, drawn by the light of Jesus, we are called to proclaim the Kingdom of God, in our thoughts, words and deeds to all around us.

Response: Praise is due to you in Sion, O God.

June 9, 2026June 9, 2026

10TH JUNE 2026

God Restores The Broken: Even When Life Breaks You | Christian Motivation

WEDNESDAY, TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

1 Kgs 18: 20-39 Ps 16: 1-2,4,5,8,11 Mt 5: 17-19

LET GOD RESTORE WHAT IS BROKEN WITHIN YOU

The first reading from the Book of Kings invites us to reflect on three essential themes: firstly where our priority lies, secondly how we approach God in that priority and thirdly how we can restore our relationship with him when it is broken. In the reading, Prophet Elijah challenges the people of Israel to make a clear and firm decision. The people of Israel were confused about whether to follow the true God or Baal. Elijah questions the people of Israel saying,” How long will you waver?” This query of Elijah is not only for people of Israel but also for us today.

In our present situation, we too may face similar struggles about our priorities. Is it God or is it something else that takes His place like wealth, honour and success? These can easily become our, so called “false gods.” But when we truly follow God with all our heart and mind, we need not worry about anything else. As the Lord teaches us, “seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” Trusting in God’s providence gives us the happiness, a deep inner peace that the worldly things cannot provide.

The passage also teaches us how to approach God. The false prophets cried out loudly, yet nothing happened. But the prophet Elijah made a simple prayer and God answered his prayers. This incident gives us the message that many words do not build a relationship with God rather it is in solitude and in personal encounter that we experience God’s presence. God often speaks not in noise but in quiet moments of the heart. In the end before offering the sacrifice, prophet Elijah restored the broken altar to offer the sacrifice. In the same way, we are called to restore what is broken within us, our prayer life, our relationship with God and our neighbour and our inner commitments. When we surrender ourselves fully and accept God’s will, surely God will receive our offering with love.

Response: Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026

9th JUNE 2026

Living in God's Light: Finding Truth, Joy, and Eternal Hope in Christ

TUESDAY, TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

1 Kgs 17: 7-16 Ps 4: 2-5, 7-8 Mt 5: 13-16

RADIATE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST TO THE WORLD

In the gospel passage, Jesus says “you are the light of the world.” The Light in the bible symbolizes God’s presence, truth, purity, and guidance. It is one of the most powerful metaphors used throughout Scripture, from the book of Genesis to Revelation. The Word of God says, “God is light in him there is no darkness.” (1 John 1:5) Light is the symbol of perfect holiness and purity, that’s why John uses the metaphor ‘God is light’ which means God is perfect, holy and pure. Psalms 104:2 says, “God is clothed with light as with a garment” which means God is clothed with holiness and perfection.

When we see the NT, Jesus says in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” He is not the worldly light. Instead He is the divine light, the light which shines forever. In today’s gospel He says, “You are the light of the world.” In order to become the light of the world we need to become like Jesus. We have to imbibe His values and teachings in our lives. Only then we can radiate His light to others. Jesus became light to the humanity by sacrificing or offering His life on the cross. By dying on the cross he eradicated the darkness of this world. Similarly, let us become light by sacrificing ourselves for the needy ones.

The death of Christ brought light to the whole world. Through His death and resurrection, He cleansed us from our sins, purified us, and gave us the privilege of becoming children of God. In the same way, we are called to become a light to the world by living pure and holy lives. As Ephesians 5:8 says, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” It also reminds us that “the fruit of light is seen in all that is good, holy, and perfect.” Likewise, Acts 13:47 tells us, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Response: Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord.

June 7, 2026June 7, 2026

8th JUNE 2026

Living the Beatitudes — Fr. Bill's Personal Pages

MONDAY, TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Saint Mariam Thresia (Memorial in India)

1 Kgs 17: 1-6 Ps 121: 1-8 Mt 5: 1-12

A CALL TO HOLINESS

The First Book of Kings preserves traditions about prophets especially within the reign of Ahab in Israel. It shows that the word of God proclaimed through the prophets is always fulfilled and that the prophet, who speaks for God, is more powerful than the king. Elijah’s words to Ahab are both a warning of drought and an assertion that, as God’s prophet, he will declare its duration. The word of the Lord to Elijah is a promise of protection, food, water, and a place of safety. Implicit in this divine word is the power of Yahweh; the word of the prophet becomes the instrument of Yahweh’s punishment for Ahab’s sin.

Ahab is clearly presented as more wicked than any of the kings before him. His sins include marrying Jezebel and worshipping Baal. Therefore, Elijah says to Ahab: “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, during these years there shall be neither dew nor rain except at my word.” Then the Lord says to Elijah: “Leave this place, go eastward, and hide yourself by the brook; I have commanded the ravens to feed you there with bread and meat in the morning and in the evening.” Just as Elijah stands as a prophet of God’s demanding justice, the Beatitudes reveal the inner attitudes of those who are truly God’s people.

The Beatitudes present a radical vision of God’s kingdom. Each blessing overturns worldly values, honouring the poor in spirit, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Jesus promises comfort, mercy, and fulfilment to those who suffer for God. The Beatitudes invite us to grow in humility, compassion, and a thirst for justice, trusting that God will reward such hearts with eternal blessing. We see these Beatitudes embodied in concrete lives: poor in spirit in the publican, those who mourn in Saint Monica, the meek in the centurion, the pure of heart in little children, peace-making in Joseph with his brothers, mercy in Saint Stephen, and persecution in Elijah and the martyrs who suffered for God’s truth.

Response: Our help shall come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

June 5, 2026June 5, 2026

7th JUNE 2026

America Needs Fatima

SUNDAY, TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

Dt 8: 2-3, 14b-16 Ps 147:12-15, 19-20 1 Cor 10:16-17 Jn 6: 51-58

EVERLASTING LOVE OF JESUS

On this feast day of the Body and Blood of Jesus, we reflect on the love of Jesus who gave His life for us through His death and resurrection and is physically present with us in the Holy Eucharist. This feast also reminds us of Jesus’ command to celebrate the sacrament of Holy Eucharist. On the night of the last supper, Jesus taught us the way in which the sacrament should be celebrated, He made himself our food in order to assimilate us to Himself, to make us live His life, to make us live in Him as He himself lives in His Father. Eucharist is a visible sign of an invisible grace instituted by Christ. It is the union of the soul with Christ by love and spiritual nourishment by increasing sanctifying grace.

The Eucharist is truly the sacrament of union and at the same time it is the clearest and most convincing proof that God calls us and pleads with us to come to intimate union with Himself. It is called the mystery of faith. Only faith can make us see God present under the appearance of Bread. When Jesus announced the institution of the Eucharist, many of his disciples were scandalized and some of His disciples who had been following Him went back and walked no more with Him. Faith is a gift from God. We should dispose ourselves by asking for this grace in humble, trusting prayer and by an active practise of faith. The more intense our faith the more it will appear in our attitude towards Jesus.

Eucharist is the source of great hope and confidence in our present life by increasing grace in us. It also increases our charity. With the growth of charity our passions are subdued. St Augustine says, “the increase of charity is the decrease of passion.” If the struggle against a certain fault or temptation sometimes becomes very violent and difficult, if inspite of all our efforts, we do not succeed in overcoming our nature, let us have confidence in the Blessed Sacrament. When Jesus comes to us, He can calm any storm and give us strength to win any kind of battle. Jesus is our hope.

The liturgy speaks about God’s everlasting love for His people, how much He loves them, how He leads the people of Israel forty years through the wilderness, how God feeds his people with manna in the wilderness, how God protects them from the fiery serpents, scorpions and from the thirsty ground, where there was no water, He gave them water from the rock and fed in the wilderness with manna. God loves His people with an everlasting love putting no condition on his love.

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about His everlasting love in giving himself to be our food and drink. God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son to die on the cross for sinners and Jesus loved sinners so much that He offered His body and blood to be our food on our journey of faith. Jesus gives Himself to us every day in the holy sacrifice to be our companion and love in our daily struggles, to be with us forever not to leave us orphans as unwanted, forgotten but to be our companion all through our life. Lord Jesus, you instituted the sacrament of your Body and Blood because Your love exceeds all words. Burning with love for us, you desired to give yourself to us and took up Your dwelling in the consecrated host entirely and forever; you did this to remain with us forever.

Lord Jesus, you find Your delight in being with us but do we find ours in being with You. Do we who have the privilege of dwelling so near Your altar, perhaps even in your own house, find our delight in being with you? Is it not true that we pay very little attention to preparing ourselves each day as worthily as we can for the Eucharistic Banquet while we allow ourselves to be absorbed in so many things. Jesus comes to us every morning but does He always get a warm, delicate, attentive and loving welcome? He finds the hearts of His friends filled with thousand thoughts, distractions, worldly affections while there is little room for the divine guest. May the Eucharist draw us ever more deeply into the love of Christ, strengthen our faith and charity, and make our whole life a living testimony of His abiding presence.

Response: O Jerusalem, glorify the Lord!