The Christmas Season isn’t over yet! On Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany or Three Kings. We are all familiar with the story of the Magi and their journey to search for the Babe in the Manger. Presenting Him with precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they knelt in adoration. The Magi traveled 1200 miles from Persia to Bethlehem but our journey to find Jesus is much closer – our churches and adoration chapels. In the manger, Jesus looked like any other infant, except He was recognized by a star. Today, a glowing candle witnesses His Presence in the tabernacle.
Time spent with Our Eucharistic Lord parallels the visit of the Magi. But rather than offering gold, frankincense and myrrh, we can present Him with a more precious gift – our heart! How do we show someone we love them? We spend time with them. If a visit isn’t possible then we text them, make a phone call, mail them a card or letter, or set a definitive date for a get-together. But, even if we cannot be physically present with the Blessed Sacrament in a church or adoration chapel, we still can unite ourselves spiritually to Jesus in the Eucharist by spending time in prayer or through Spiritual Communion.
The new year is a characteristic time for making resolutions for the coming year. Many of these resolutions focus on diet and exercise. What about our spiritual diet? Do we take time or find opportunities to allow Jesus to nourish us in the Eucharist? What about “spiritual exercising?” We can start simply with the Eucharistic Revival Spark Series, nine days of prayer and reflection in support of the Revival: https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/get-involved
There is much to be excited about in 2024. The Year of Parish Renewal will conclude with the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, July 17-21. Prior to this event, the largest Eucharistic pilgrimage in history will take place from May 17, 2024, to July 16, 2024. The 6,500-mile procession with Our Eucharistic Lord, accompanied by pilgrims traveling from four corners of the United States, will converge in Indianapolis for the Congress. Perhaps Jesus will be passing through your town or city during this pilgrimage and you can journey along?
In preparation for the Congress, the Revival Team is inviting artists to submit their artistic work in the National Eucharistic Revival Art Competition. More information on this can be found at: https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/post/youre-invited-enter-the-national-eucharistic-art-competition
30 Day Eucharistic Revival, a new book authored by popular speaker Father Donald Calloway MIC and endorsed by Antonia Salzano Acutis, the mother of Blessed Carlo Acutis, will help people to experience a personal Eucharistic revival through rediscovering their belief in the Real Presence and their love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The book can be pre-ordered through Amazon.
Wishing you God’s abundant blessings as we strive to deepen our relationship with our Eucharistic Lord in 2024.
Prayerfully in the Holy Family,
Sr. M. Marcella Louise Wallowicz, CSFN
