Nurturing and Acting in Faith This Week

Nurturing and Acting in Faith This Week

 

This weekend the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), one of the great feasts of our Catholic faith. On this day we give thanks for the extraordinary gift of the Holy Eucharist - the Real Presence of Jesus Christ among us, which nourishes and transforms all who encounter Him, especially those who receive Him in Communion. At every Mass, the Lord fulfills His promise to remain with His people, nourishing us with His Body and Blood and drawing us into communion with Him and with one another.

 

As you know, we have merged our 10:00 a.m. and Noon Masses into the 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. Mary church so our celebration can continue beyond the walls of the church as we gather for our Collaborative Eucharistic Procession. Carrying the Blessed Sacrament into the public square is a beautiful witness to our faith and a reminder that Christ desires to be present not only in our churches but also in our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities. This is not “imposing” our faith but publicly “proposing” our faith as a blessing for all people, and something to consider. I encourage all who are able to join us for this prayerful procession, and we hope all those who can’t process will lift us up in prayer as we take this bold, courageous action in faith.

 

This week also marks one of the ways our Church is participating in a momentous occasion for our nation. As the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding, Catholics throughout the country will participate in a renewed Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This consecration will take place this Thursday, June 11, at churches throughout the country - including our own 9:00 a.m. daily Mass. We are in the midst of preparing for this consecration with a novena of prayer to the Sacred Heart (see our website for links), and the consecration will take place just in time for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus this Friday. In a world often marked by division, uncertainty, and loneliness, we entrust our nation once again to the merciful Heart of Christ, the source of hope, healing, and peace.

 

Finally, many Catholics are beginning to read and discuss Magnifica Humanitas, the first encyclical letter (formal teaching document) of Pope Leo XIV. In this ong-anticipated letter on the the grandeur (magnificence) of God’s creation in humanity, the Holy Father addresses the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence. He does not condemn this new technology. Rather, he reminds us that every technological advance must respect the God-given dignity of every human person and always serve authentic human flourishing - both in its design and how we use it. This is a timely reflection and warning for our rapidly changing world.

 

May the Holy Spirit empower us to be nurtured in Christ and actively live our faith in the world!