After calling the 12 Apostles to himself, Jesus sent them out to preach, letting them know quite clearly they would experience persecution.  Nevertheless, Jesus told them to fear no one, for God cares intimately for them and us (knowing even the number of hairs on our heard.)  In the midst of challenge, temptations to fear and anxiety, the apostles lived with hope and courage, the Lord invites us to the same freedom in the Spirit..

A sacrament is a sign that points to something else, making present what it points to and thereby communicating the grace of the reality that it points to and makes present.  In the gift of the Eucharist, we receive the gift of Jesus body and blood, the gift of Jesus himself who comes to give himself freely to us, as he gave himself freely for us on Calvary.  Recognizing, revering and responding to this reality sets souls on fire with divine love!

When Jesus said, "for God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son"  He revealed that God the Father longs, out of magnificent love, to draw the world into His embrace.  God is in love with His creation and desires to conquer sin, darkness and separation one soul at a time.  Will we enjoy His embrace?  Will we share His desire?