Monday, May 6

Monday, May 6

Today’s Prayer and Reflection:

You are looking for me . . . because you ate the loaves. (John 6:26)

The people don’t seem to be learning their lesson, do they? You would think that after witnessing the miracle of the loaves and fishes—and after joining in the miracle by eating—they would want to know more about Jesus and his relationship to God. Yet it seems that they are interested only in bread that can fill their stomachs. How can they be so blind?

Apparently spiritual blindness isn’t limited to first-century Palestine. Think about how easy it can be for our own spiritual vision to become dull. Every Sunday we receive Jesus in the Eucharist. With our physical eyes, we see the Host and the chalice. Yet the heart of Jesus—a heart that is overflowing with divine love—can remain elusive. We believe that it is Jesus we are receiving, but we have become so used to Communion that our expectations have declined. And if we don’t expect something to happen during that time, we might very well return to our pews no different.

So how can you practice “seeing” Jesus in the Eucharist more clearly? One way is to try to place all your focus on him throughout the liturgy. Before Mass begins, take a few moments to offer him the activities of your day or week. Maybe that includes taking care of your children or completing a project at work. Offer him your prayer intentions as well—for a loved one who is sick or for God’s wisdom for a challenging situation. Give these concerns to the Lord at the beginning of Mass, and try to leave them with him so that you can pay closer attention to the readings and the prayers.

Then, as you approach the altar, imagine Jesus standing before you holding all of the cares and concerns you have given him. Picture him looking at each of them with tender love and compassion. Then, as you receive him, let him give these cares and concerns back to you. Along with the bread and wine, they too have been transformed. They may look the same, but Christ is now in them. He is the living God, and he is at work, helping you face all your needs, desires, doubts, and fears.

“Take, Lord, and receive everything in my heart. Jesus, I entrust it to you.”

Reprinted with permission of The Word Among Us, 7115 Guilford Dr #100, Frederick, MD 21704, wau.org.

Today’s Announcements:

  • Ms. Gryder celebrated her birthday yesterday – we wish Ms. Gryder a Happy Birthday!
  • We celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week this week! Albert Einstein once said, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” Student council would like to personally thank our teachers and staff here at St. Patrick for not only awakening us to the joy of knowledge every day but also for awakening our faith in Christ. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week.
  • Yearbooks will be distributed tomorrow during lunch for those that prepaid. All students that did not prepay for a yearbook may purchase a yearbook on Wednesday by purchasing one in the office before school, during lunch or after school. The price of the yearbook on Wednesday is $100.
  • Coastal Civitan Camp is seeking male counselor volunteers; if interested please see Mrs. Collier in the front office for more information.
  • National Junior Honor Society has a meeting Tuesday, May 7, at 7:45 in the auditorium. Bring your service hour sheets if they are ready. NJHS is collecting donations of baby items for “Sue’s Home” a transitional home for children who are homeless or have been displaced. Service hours are being given for donations. Suggested items include Band aids, diaper cream, wipes, baby shampoo, and pull-ups. Please bring your donations to room 118.
  • Let’s wish those who are participating in today’s rescheduled 2A State Track Meet good luck as they travel to Pearl. Go Irish!
  • There will be an Interact Club meeting Wednesday after school in Ms. Lawson’s room. Those who want to run for office may sign up at that time. Signups to work the Children’s Health Fair will also take place at that time.
  • The final robotics meeting for the year will take place today. Please attend this very important meeting for end-of-year information. This meeting is also to invite anyone interested in joining robotics for next year to get general information. The meeting will take place in Mrs. Worrel’s room.
  • It’s a great day for Lady Irish basketball tryouts! High school will tryout from 3:00 until 4:00, and junior high will tryout from 4:00 until 5:00.