COME TO THE EUCHARIST - 8/2/22 (Optional Memorial of Saint Peter Julian Eymard)

Matthew 14:28-33

Peter said to Him in reply, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” He said, “Come.” But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did Him homage, saying, “Truly, You are the Son of God.”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080222.cfm

Blessed Memorial of St Peter Julian Eymard! When the disciples were on the boat, they became afraid because they thought that they were seeing a ghost. In reality, Jesus was walking on water, and He said to them that they should not be afraid. Our Lord showed them a miracle for them to believe. St. Peter told Him, "if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." Sometimes, even though God reveals us Himself and His will for us, we may still doubt His presence in our lives. We may still doubt His goodness. Even though it's good for St. Peter to have the desire to come to our Lord, his faith was still weak because his heart was still filled with many doubts. 

Our faith can also be mixed with doubts even if we commit ourselves to Christ. We may see the emptiness of seeking achievements and worldly satisfactions. We may express to Jesus how much we love Him and how much we desire to be separated from the world. But, when we do not get what we want, we may fall into discouragement. When some people seem to be more fortunate than us in terms of finance or worldly success, there is a tendency for us to be sad which may weaken our devotion to God. St. Peter began to sink when he saw how strong the wind was. When we focus on the problems that we face, our faith can also stumble because we do not focus on the presence of God. 

Despite our weaknesses, God is merciful to us. Jesus knew the heart of St. Peter. He saw his doubts and worries, but He told him to still come to Him. The reason why Jesus said that was for St. Peter to be more dependent on Him and not on his own courage. Even though we are overwhelmed by many temptations in life, Jesus wants to renew our faith in Him, and He is calling us to come to Him. Let's come to Jesus, especially in the Most Blessed Sacrament. St. Peter Julian Eymard was truly devoted to Jesus, the Bread of Life, and he founded the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. Even from a very young age, there was a time that his parents were looking for him, and St. Peter was found in front of the tabernacle listening to Jesus. 

When Jesus entered the boat, the disciples immediately gave Him homage. They adored and worshipped Him. Today, we are given an opportunity to adore Jesus who is truly present in the Eucharist. How can we adore Jesus? The best way is by participating in the Mass and by receiving Jesus in the Holy communion in the state of grace. St. Peter Eymard influenced many people, especially those who no longer practiced the Catholic faith, to repent of their sins, receive the sacrament of confession, and come to Jesus in the Holy Communion. May we choose to be part of the crowd who follow Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, and who give Him our praise, especially through the Mass. 

St. Peter Eymard also said to many people that we partake of the Eucharist, not because we are already holy, but because we desire to be holy. This is why when we receive Jesus in the Holy Communion, we should beg for graces to reject the temptations, avoid sins and persevere in virtues, especially those that we really need. In short, the Lord doesn't want us to be ashamed to tell Him in our hearts, "Lord, save us." To make an act of humility is truly pleasing in His eyes because by doing so, we are accepting the mercy that He offers to us in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. And, may we remember that God is inviting us to adore Him in the Blessed Sacrament as a community and a family. St. Peter Eymard was leading more children to the practice of First communion. Parents have the duty to instill in the hearts of their children the love for Christ. Let's pray for the families, especially for the parents, to teach the children the importance and necessity of attending the Mass every Sunday and holy days of obligation. We should all be models to the children, not just by receiving the Holy Communion, but also by giving reverence to Him and praying to Him before the Tabernacle, inside the Adoration chapel and through Online Adoration. No matter how weak we are, Jesus wants us to come to Him because the Eucharist is our strength. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

For more information on the life of Saint Peter Julian Eymard, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/august-2---saint-peter-julian-eymard-priest/

For the examination of conscience and guide to confession, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

For more information on how to pray the rosary, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/the-most-holy-rosary/