Hey Deacon

Fresh back from the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, I had the opportunity at preach at Mass and share my experience, specifically, as it pertained to the Sunday’s readings. In the first reading we heard how the Lord used Elisha to feed 100 people with 20 barley loaves. Then in St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he reminded us that we are worthy of the missionary call we have received from our Lord. And in John’s Gospel we heard Jesus’ multiplication miracle in feeding the 5,000 - and there were 12 wicker baskets of food leftover!

These readings connected well to the overriding theme of the Congress. We are Eucharistic people, sent out as missionaries for Jesus Christ. The talks and testimonies from the Congress reminded me of our Catholic calling to be Eucharistic missionaries. After Mass, some of the parishioners asked if I would share my comments in a “Hey Deacon” article. Borrowing a line from Fr. Mike Schmitz, I am not going to tell you anything that you don’t already know. I do hope that some of my takeaways from the presenters remarks below rekindles a stronger desire for our Eucharistic Jesus.

Fr Leo Patalinghug – Priest, evangelizer, and celebrity chef shared that he often hears from those who have drifted away from the faith that they were not getting “fed” when they attended Mass. He reminded us that the devil can make the sins of the world look delicious which presents the challenge. My key takeaway: to be fed, a person has to be hungry. They have to be receptive to receiving Jesus and we need to make sure we feed them Jesus in proper portions.

Gloria Puris – lay person, evangelizer and convert to the faith shared her story growing up in a Baptist family but attending Catholic school because her parents did not want to send her to the inner-city public school. In sixth grade, she told her parents that she wanted to be Catholic - she wanted to receive Jesus in Holy Communion with her classmates. Her parents surprised her and allowed her to convert. Key takeaway: she reminded us that we need to listen to the higher voice despite the noise in the world and to stay united with the Church, the pope and one another. We cannot let society, politics, and even other Catholics divide us.

Jonathan Roumie – TV Jesus from The Chosen television series shared that every time he receives the Eucharist, he receives Jesus’ into his heart. He said we Catholics know that the Eucharist is truly what Jesus claims it to be. He also mentioned that he is currently filming scenes from the Last Super, excited but disappointed because some of the scripture verses from John’s gospel will be omitted due to being too controversial in nature. Key takeaway: not all Christians believe these words: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life…For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.”

Bishop Baron shared that this Eucharistic Congress is one of the greatest moments of his priesthood. He said he feels the Holy Spirit’s presence among us. Key takeaway: we profess that Jesus gave His life for us - body given, blood poured out. We become what we eat and need to share this gift with the world.

While I enjoyed all the presentations, the daily liturgies, and time spent in adoration, I would have to say that Sister Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart (all 4’6’’ tall) won over my heart. Even her opening meditative pray/song was a key moment for me.

Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living – Sanctuary – for you.

Sr. Olga’s story of conversion, her love for Jesus, and lifelong ministry work in hospitals and patient care were inspirational. Key takeaways: Jesus loves us, and no one can lake Him away from us. When we receive Jesus in communion, it is not we who live but Jesus Christ who lives in us. There are many hungry people in our world, and we are to feed them. Just like Jesus feeding the 5,000, we too are to feed both the physically and spiritually poor. Jesus feeds us with His grace. We are the 12 wicker baskets of that grace. We are to feed that leftover grace to the world.