Last month our 7th child, sweet Flannery, received her very first Holy Communion. The entire day was nothing short of captivating. Flannery was bursting with joy as she anticipated reception of our Lord and Savior for the first time. I confess, my eyes leaked watching this precious child kneel before the Blessed Sacrament, longing for Him. As her godmother remarked, it was the most beautiful first holy communion mass either of us had ever been to.
Are We Ever Really Ready?
Our pastor had an incredible homily directed toward the children. He spoke to them in the most loving, fatherly, pastoral way. He conversed with the children, asking questions, and listening intently to their thoughtful responses. Monsignor was very purposeful in describing the entire liturgical year, beginning with the Nativity of Jesus. He then explained how Holy Week, The Passion, and Easter, Pentecost, and finally The Eucharist all have a very significant and special part in our lives. He finished by saying, “I think you are ready to receive your first communion.” And then, “But are any of us every really ready?” He smiled and his humility and reverence struck something deep within me.
A Reminder
Today’s gospel reminded me of this special day because in it Jesus says,
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven;
whoever eats this bread will live forever;
and the bread that I will give
is my flesh for the life of the world.”
And, “For my flesh is true food,
and my blood is true drink.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
remains in me and I in him.”
Dear readers, may we all long for our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament as much as those small seven-year-olds did on a beautiful spring day. May we be reminded on this feast day of the promises our Lord made to us when we remain in Him.
