Consuming the Word

Lisa Cotter opened Saturday’s morning session reminding us that God’s greatest desire is to be with us. He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. He gave us the Church and He gave us the Sacraments so He can be with us in a real way. Each Sacrament confers Grace on us; Baptism makes us children of God, going to Confession reconciles us to God, and Eucharist provides us spiritual food for the journey. Lisa said, “Through the Eucharist, God gives us what we need to thrive in this world – His very self.” Her talk brought us back to the Parable of the Sower. If we’re covered in thorns or among the rocks, it’s harder for Jesus to pour his Graces on us. We have to do the hard work. We can confront those things that consume us so we can come to Mass ready to engage with full and active participation. As we prepared to transition into Holy Mass, Lisa encouraged everyone to give their hearts to Jesus, to use the offertory to give our worries, our hurts, all that consumes us, to Jesus. We literally come to Mass to consume Jesus, and in consuming Him, He consumes us.

Holy Mass

Along with over 40 concelebrating priests, Bishop Rice offered Mass on Saturday morning in honor of Our Lady and her Immaculate Heart. During the homily, Fr. Brian Fallon asked us “Are you worth more than a sparrow?” and gave us the emphatic answer of Yes. Fr. Brian reminded us that Jesus was thinking of us, of you and me, on the cross. It’s too easy to become too complacent at Mass and we miss out on what he wants to give us. We have to believe in the goodness God wants to give us. Fr. Brian called on us to remember that Mass isn’t about us, it’s about worshiping God and as we worship, He pours His Grace into us.

Watch the livestream of the morning session and Mass here.