Dear friends in Christ

Over the next four weeks at Sunday Mass, we shall be hearing from chapter six of St John’s Gospel, often referred to as The Eucharistic Discourse. This is because it begins with the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, which is itself a prefiguration of the miracle of the Blessed Eucharist. Jesus feeds the huge crowds with bread for their bodies; in the Eucharist He will feed His People with food for the soul—the food of eternal life. This Gospel occurs in the liturgical cycle every three years, and it provides us priests with the opportunity to preach—albeit in a limited way—on the mystery of the Mass and the Real Presence of Jesus. Hopefully, these reflections may remind us of the greatest and most central truth of our holy Faith: Jesus sacrificed for us, poured-out for us, and remains with us in the Eucharistic Mystery.

Those of us who returned home Lourdes on Friday give thanks to God for a safe and prayerful Pilgrimage. The large group of young adults from our Parish were a credit to us and their families by their example of prayer and service of the sick! May those who are traveling or taking time for a break in these weeks, find restorative peace and refreshment. Let’s remember that our first duty of the week is to participate in Holy Mass—wherever we are!

God bless you!

Msgr Kevin Hale