Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 New American Bible

Mark 14:12-16;22-26 Bible Gateway New International Version

“This is my body; This is my blood.”

Each time you go to Mass watch as the priest holds the big round host of bread up into the air and says: This is My Body. At that moment, by the power of God, the bread is changed into the body of Jesus Christ. Then the priest lifts the cup and says, “This is my Blood. At that moment, by the power of God, the wine is changed into the blood of Jesus Christ.

When you receive communion, you are truly eating the body and blood of Jesus Christ. He goes with you where you go. He sees what you see. He gives you many special blessings to do God’s will. You will find it easier to love God with your whole heart, your whole soul, and your whole mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.

Because Jesus died on the cross, your sins are forgiven. You are truly forgiven of all of your sins. When God forgives you, he wants you to spread his love all over the world by forgiving others.

Sometimes it is seems difficult to forgive. Your life may become so confusing that you cannot seem to figure it all out. But then the love of God covers your body and soul and then you are able to forgive. It’s like heavy clouds have been lifted off of your shoulders when you forgive and it’s like getting to start your life over again when you are forgiven.

If your brother breaks your favorite toy, you get angry and disappointed. But stop and think about it. Is that toy more important than the love God has for you and your brother? When your little sister brings her favorite book and asks you to read it, do you read it right then? Or do you say, “Not now, I am too busy playing my video game.” God is never too busy to play with you. God is never too busy to listen to you. God is never too busy to offer you the solutions to your problems. Just listen to your heart to hear his answers. Take time every day to listen and talk with God. God fills us with his love.

Say the “Our Father” and thank God for giving us the gift of the Holy Eucharist and filling our cup of life with love.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.