Monday, April 15, 2013

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Daily Readings: 
ACTS 7:51—8:1A; PS 31:3CD-4, 6 AND 7B AND 8A, 17 AND 21AB; JN 6:30-35

Reflection:  The people ask Jesus to “give us this bread always,” as they are seeking God and His presence.  Jesus proclaims to His followers:  “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”  How blessed are we that our Lord has given us His body and His blood in the Eucharist so that we will never need anything else?  Jesus is the bread of life.  Every time we receive Jesus in the Eucharist we welcome Him into our bodies that He may guide us and comfort us.  If we allow Him to lead us and guide us, He will bring us joy and eternal life.

Reflection for younger saints:  Jesus is the bread of life.  We receive Jesus in the Eucharist.  When we receive Jesus, He gives us strength and helps us to get to heaven.

Big Picture:  "I am the bread of life"

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Why is Jesus the “bread of life?”  (Because Jesus died on the cross for our sins.  We remember and celebrate His death and sacrifice every time we receive Him in the Eucharist.)  How do we receive Jesus’ body and blood?  (In the Eucharist.  This is not a symbol, but the true body and blood of Jesus.)

     Older saints:  The followers in the Gospel reading today are seeking God and are longing for God.  We are so blessed that we can welcome and receive Jesus in the Eucharist every time we celebrate Mass.  Do you come to Mass with an open heart that is longing for Jesus just as His followers did?  Do you take time to meditate on the thought that you are receiving the “bread of life” every time you receive the Eucharist?  Do you try to fit daily Mass into your weekly schedule, or are you content with meeting your “obligation” of Sunday Mass?  It is only in the Eucharist that we can receive Jesus’ body and blood.

Fun Fact:  We believe that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ through Transubstantiation.

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Bernadette Soubirous
     What they are remembered for:  St. Bernadette Soubirous was the daughter of a poor family and suffered greatly from illnesses throughout her life.  She is best known for Our Lady’s appearances to her at Lourdes.  Lourdes has since become one of the most popular and well visited shrines to Our Lady in all the world and many miracles have been reported at this shrine. 
     Feast day:  April 16
    
Daily Notes: 

1 comment: