Meeting with God in the Sacrament of the Altar.

In today’s gospel, the Lord Jesus reminds us of the sacrament, the day’s highlight for many of us. Yes, it is the Sacrament of the Altar. After all, you come every evening, despite many difficulties, and you long to meet God. The feast Jesus speaks of in the gospel is at the fingertips of each of us. He prepares this feast for us daily, but many people, including Christians, do not care about it. The early Christians held the Sacrament of the Altar in high esteem. When someone did not go to the table of God, it was a punishment. Such a person was a warning to others. And today? You may say to me: Be glad they come at least once a year. … but what the Savior will speak to you at the meeting is in your hands! And yet, even today, there are Christians who do not meet Christ even once a year. The warning words at the end of the gospel also belong to them: “For I say unto you that none of those men who have been invited shall taste my supper” (Lk 14:24).

Brothers and sisters, do you want Jesus to close his heart to you one day? I think not. Therefore, let us consider how we justify our absence from the Altar Sacrament. The first says: “I bought a field, I need to go and see it, so I can’t come.” Is that really why? Couldn’t it be postponed an hour later? Houses and fields have no legs. It is ridiculous when a Christian Catholic conceals his dislike and non-attendance at the Sacrament of the Altar with such an excuse!

Saint Isidore was a peasant and worked in the field of the wealthy peasant John Vegas. He was seen every day at Holy Mass, and only after this spiritual feast did he go to work in the field. He was a thorn in the side of others, so he was accused of being lazy. The farmer believed the rumors and sharply reproached Isidore. The latter replied, “It is true that I go to church daily for Holy Mass, but I have never neglected my duties for her. When the harvest comes, it turns out whose field is a better machine.” The farmer was surprised because Isidore’s field brought the best harvest. And the legend tells further about the fact that the farmer once came unexpectedly to the field. Isidore was kneeling in front of the image of the Virgin Mary and praying fervently. He already wanted to sin on him, but he fell silent. For he saw in the field two angels who were working for Isidora. It is only a legend, but it explains to us the profound words of Jesus: “But seek his kingdom, and this ye shall receive in addition” (Lk 12:31).

By attending Holy Mass and Communion, no one has yet become poorer. Quite the opposite. My brother, ask your brother, who receives Holy Communion daily, what does it give him? I will answer you for him: “It encourages me, and with Jesus, even the seemingly impossible obstacles become easy for me. Christ of the Eucharist gives me strength and hope. I can concentrate better, allocate my responsibilities better, and so on.” A Christian who is serious about Christ also represents Christ in his employment. Such a Christian cannot be accused of being fussy, slacker, or hooker because he knows that whoever works with Christ prays. Many brothers and sisters turn their pews in schools and offices into altars! How? Many Holy Masses do they sacrifice for their colleagues?

Brother and sister, a Christian Catholic, is not a burden; he is not lazy, and if he does happen to doubt, see why. Aren’t you the cause of this as well? These words should perhaps be heard by those who say of us that we are killing time by unnecessarily reciting prayers and we should use the time during Mass for something more beneficial. We will also find the answer to this. A Christian who comes to the church daily approaches Holy Communion and rests best here; he recovers. He will heal at the Fremont extraordinaryuntain of peace. Such a Christian, who will take his place tomorrow, is fresh and has vigor. But let’s look at those who resent this, who spend their free time in the company of plums, rum, and wine. How do they relate to what they accuse us of? They kill their time; they also kill their forces. We do not impoverish anyone through prayer but enrich our community with love and peace.

And Christ expects this of us, for He has promised that He will compensate us many times over the hour we spend with Him.