St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

We are still continuing our Easter journey!  How fortunate we are to be able to celebrate this special season in our liturgical year.  And each time we gather for Eucharist we remember the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  He nourished history with salvation, and He nourishes us still with His Body and His Blood at each memorial sacrifice that is offered---the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass!

The Gospel this weekend is the story of the disciples on their way to Emmaus.  They do not recognize the Risen Lord along the journey.  It is only when they are at table a while later that their eyes are opened and they realize that the “stranger” who joined them was actually the Risen Jesus Christ!

This Gospel passage is perfect for our Year of the Eucharist.  During these months the Church and our diocese are inviting all of us to reflect on the immense gift that the Eucharist provides for us, the reception of the actual Body and Blood of the One who rose for our eternal life.  At times it may be too easy to take this gift for granted or “go through the motions” when it comes time for Communion.  Over this year, may the Lord draw us closer to Him in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, the summit and source of our faith.

Those two guys along the road to Emmaus were slow at recognizing Jesus in their midst.  Would you have been?  What about recognizing the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist?  Remember---as Catholics we believe that Communion is THE Body and THE Blood of Christ---not a sign of; not just a representation; not just a symbol of.  It is THE REAL THING!  Yet, less than 30% of Roman Catholics believe in the real Presence of Christ.  It CAN’T or SHOULDN’T be like that with any of us.  We are to be those 100% believers in the Eucharist.  No ifs, ands, or buts about it. 

May our response to Communion always be:  LORD, I AM NOT WORTHY THAT YOU SHOULD ENTER UNDER MY ROOF.  ONLY SAY THE WORD AND MY SOUL SHALL BE HEALED.  AMEN.

Your Eucharist Presiding Pastor, Father Joe

P.S.  FYI—I will be gone this weekend at my annual Midwest Miniature Bottle Club Show.  A retired priest of the diocese, my classmate and best friend, Fr. Rick Weltin, will be here to preside at the Masses.  I know you will make him feel welcome!