For the past couple of weeks, we have been reading from the Gospel of John and the Bread of Life discourse. This is very timely since the Catholic Church in the United States participated in the National Eucharistic Congress this summer in Indianapolis. Over 60,000 people gathered in that city to adore and learn more about Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist. The National Eucharistic Congress was 5 days of joy, excitement, energy, while at the same time, being prayerful, respectful, and inspiring! The Congress truly represented people from all walks of life who practice the Catholic Faith! Every “type” of Catholic was there, from single young adults, couples with no children, small families, large families, older men and women, religious men and women, seminarians, priests, and bishops! Everyone came together with one focus in mind ~ the Eucharist!
We participated in Daily Mass, Adoration, Rosary, along with talks from every expert in the Catholic Faith! Families could go to sessions that helped them in their unique walk with the Lord. The youth had sessions where they could learn more about the Eucharist, their Faith, and their building their relationship with Jesus Christ and more. Men and women who serve the Church as youth ministers, young adult leaders, DREs, CREs, pastoral associates, etc… could go to sessions that renewed and strengthened them in their ministries. Seminarians, Priests, and Bishops had sessions specifically for them. There was so much to offer each person no matter where they were in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
With all that excitement and joy, think about what would have happened (or not happened) if each person at the Congress responded to Jesus the way that some of the disciples responded in today’s Gospel. “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Jesus was excited to share His Body and Blood with those gathered because that is what they really needed! They didn’t need bread that would perish! They needed Bread that would live forever!
The Congress was amazing! It will take me time to digest all that I was blessed to experience and learn! But it was difficult too! It was difficult for families to go to the Congress. It was a significant financial burden to go the Congress. There are many good and valid reasons why many people could not go! But think about how quickly we say, “This is too hard.” “This just can’t be done.” The Lord never said it wouldn’t be hard. He said that He would be with us through everything! Let us take time this week to reflect on how we respond to what Jesus is calling us to do. Do we focus on what is in the way and not possible? Or do we see the potential and/or choose to think positively about what the Lord is asking of us?
Remember: “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me!” (Philippians 4:13) The Eucharist is the source and summit! He is the wind in our sails and not the waves pushing us down! With Christ, we can do this!