In last week’s homily I spoke about the purpose of Christ coming to us with His presence in Holy Communion and why it is essential we embrace it with humble, child-like faith. It is a difficult belief for sure. There is nothing about it to satisfy our physical senses. We only have the words of Jesus, “This is My Body…this is My Blood.” We either believe Him or we don’t. This has been the consistent teaching of our Catholic faith from the time of Jesus on the earth and it is documented all the way. Unfortunately, we don’t appreciate what a wonderful gift we have been given. Holy Communion as we practice it within our Catholic faith is foundational to developing our faith in God. To accept it we are required to reduce ourselves to the humble faith of a child, believing, trusting the Word of God concerning one of the hardest saying of Jesus in the New Testament. But here is the consolation. When we make that loving leap of trust, all the other challenges to our faith are reduced. We are expressing pure faith, not in what we see but in who and what we believe. The love of Christ expressed by the Cross grows in intensity within our hearts. His undeserved love humbles and lifts us at the same time. By this action our personal love for God grows as does our faith, gratitude and understanding. It erupts in our hearts in awe, praise, and thanksgiving. It inspires the faithful one to share the message by lifestyle choices and words of comfort and encouragement to those around them. Yes, Holy Communion can do all this! But it all begins with the sincere “Amen!” stated as we hear “The Body (or Blood) of Christ,” stated just before our reception. It means, I believe and/or agree! So if you find yourself frustrated by what or who to believe, make a choice, a decision to believe Jesus on this one vital thing and see what happens. Not as a test but as a humble acceptance of Jesus and His Word. You will not be disappointed! Yours in Christ our Lord and Savior, Fr. Sid