Weekly Meditation

The International Eucharistic Congress is being held this week in Quebec, Canada, June 15-22. The congress will be a celebration of joyful praise and loving growth in a fuller understanding of this magnificent gift of the Holy Eucharist. As we know the Eucharist is the "source and summit" of our Catholic life and the continuing fulfillment of Jesus' promise.

"I myself am the living bread come down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread he shall live forever;  the bread I will give is my flesh for the life of the world...The man who feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. (John 6:51, 56)

One of the hymns we sing  these days is "Gift of Finest Wheat" which was introduced at the International Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia in 1977. Reflect on the refrain and several verses of this hymn:

You satisfy the hungry heart With gift of finest wheat; Come give to us, O saving Lord , The bread of life to eat. With joyful lips we sing to you, Our praise and gratitude, That you should count us worthy, Lord, To share this heavenly food. You give yourself to us, O Lord; Then selfless let us be, To serve each other in your name In truth and charity.

Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar. O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine.

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Bishop William R. Houck
President Emeritus, Catholic Extension