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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings: June 10, 2007
By Jean Denton
Catholic News Service
June 10, Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Cycle C Readings:
1) Genesis 14:18-20
Psalm 110:1-4
2) 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
3) Gospel) Luke 9:11b-17
The pastor of my parish is on sabbatical, so several retired priests have shared responsibilities of sacramental ministry for the last five months. Our permanent deacon expected to give the homily most weekends but was surprised to find that the priests wanted to preach the word themselves.
One of them, Msgr. Chet Michaels, has become a favorite. It has been interesting to hear parishioners often quoting him when they are gathered for other activities: "It's like Father Chet said last Sunday ..." or "Father Chet explained it so well." As a catechist of youth, I particularly was impressed at the number of times I heard teenagers relate a lesson they'd learned at Mass from this 80-something priest!
On a recent Sunday he mentioned to the congregation that it was the 60th anniversary of his first Mass as a priest. The sheer number of years was astounding enough. But more amazing was the fact that he continues to share the message of Jesus in resonant ways and with a seemingly endless supply of enthusiasm and freshness.
No doubt the monsignor doesn't worry about whether or not he can come up with an effective way to bring God's presence to the people. He believes and practices the eternal source of Jesus among people of faith. His lifetime of ministry draws from the same well as did the feeding of the multitudes in this weekend's Gospel. Through Msgr. Chet's inspired words, the multitudes grow by generations, and through the miracle of Jesus' body and blood this source of life is constant.
At one Mass Msgr. Chet, after elevating the host, started right into the memorial acclamation. The deacon whispered that he'd forgotten to bless the wine. As the last words of the acclamation still echoed in the sanctuary, the priest intoned, "Likewise he took the cup ...," and we followed with the Memorial Acclamation again. Somehow it was a graced moment, remembering that with Jesus there is always more, and celebrating him feeds our endless desire.
QUESTIONS:
How have you experienced the body and blood of Christ as an eternal source? In what ways have you seen the life of Jesus multiplied among people you know?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"Every time ... you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26).
END
Copyright © 2006 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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