“So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat” (John 6:14).

In the end of today’s Gospel we can read: “So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat” (John 6:14).

The gathering of leftovers symbolizes the fullness of God’s provision. As Bishop Barron suggested in one of his reflections, let us through this week deepen our appreciation of the Eucharist as a gift of Jesus himself to us so that we become the gift of Jesus to the world.

As we continue to give thanks to God for the Eucharistic Congress held in Indianapolis, may we continue to build a stronger intimacy or relationship with Christ by participating actively in the Mass! The pope’s message to us at the Congress through Cardinal Luis Tagle is:

“Conversion to the Eucharist”

If possible, begin to attend daily Masses. Jesus is truly waiting for you. Remember that the Eucharist unites us as one body!

May we meditate on this quote of St. Alphonsus Liguori:

“Do not think that Jesus Christ is forgetful of you, since he has left you, as the greatest memorial and pledge of his love, himself in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.”

O Sacrament most holy. Oh sacrament divine!

Happy 17th Sunday in cycle year B.