Pastor's Corner

Dear Parishioners,

What a beautiful pairing the Church gives us this time of year: the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ and the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. One feast reminds us that Jesus feeds us; the other reminds us why He does it — because His heart is overflowing with love.

If we're honest, most of us spend a good portion of life asking, "What's for dinner?" The disciples did the same thing when they saw the hungry crowds gathering around Jesus. Their solution was practical: "Send everybody home." Jesus' solution was divine: "You give them something to eat." Then, with just a few loaves and fish, He fed thousands.

Jesus has been feeding hungry people ever since.

Every Mass is a reminder that God does not simply wave at us from heaven and wish us luck. He comes close. Very close. In the Eucharist, Christ gives not merely advice, encouragement, or a spiritual pep talk — He gives Himself. Body and Blood. Soul and Divinity. The God of the universe somehow becomes our daily bread. That should astonish us every single time we walk up the aisle for Communion.

And then, just a few days later this week on Friday, we celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus — the heart that beat with mercy, compassion, patience, and love even when ours are distracted, worried, stubborn, or running late (Especially running late.) The Sacred Heart reminds us that Jesus does not love humanity in general from a safe distance; He loves each of us personally and completely.

There's something wonderfully comforting about that. We live in a world full of passwords, security codes, automated phone systems, and "your call is important to us." Yet with Jesus, the line is always open. His heart is never closed for maintenance.

These feasts invite us to do two simple things: Come to the table. And trust the heart that welcomes us there.

May we never take the Eucharist for granted, and may we always remember that behind every Host lifted at Mass is the loving Heart of Christ saying once again, "This is given for you."

God Bless Us All Fr. John

Email: [email protected]

Pastor's Pun: Where can you still get gas for $1.39?

Taco Bell.