Today our Catholic Church celebrates the dedication of St. Mary Major in Rome. This basilica is the oldest church in the West dedicated to the honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the holy Mother of God. Our Blessed Mother uttered the perfect “Yes” to God in offering all of herself in becoming the Mother of God. Tomorrow we remember Transfiguration of the Lord. We recall the very glory of God revealed in Christ Jesus upon Mount Tabor (photo at left: The Church of the Transfiguration). How can we open our hearts to welcome God, the Divine Guest? How shall we imitate Our Blessed Mother and Our Lord Jesus? This week, Pope Benedict XVI taught a group of altar servers about the Eucharist, Jesus’ greatest gift to us. As reported by the CNA (Catholic News Agency), our Holy Father says this about the Eucharist: "It is a precious good," he said, "a treasure whose value cannot be measured, it is the Bread of life, it is Jesus who makes himself food, support and strength for our daily path and open road to eternal life; it is the greatest gift that Jesus left us." (read more).
Each day this summer, among the moments of preparing for visiting guests in our homes, let us pay special attention to actively prepare for and invite Jesus to dwell within our hearts. We can do this by receiving Him in the Eucharist, having prepared our hearts through prayer and the sacrament of reconciliation. In addition, we can develop the habit of setting our minds on Jesus, moment by moment, inviting Jesus to come and stay with us through spiritual communion. May we all form this habit of hospitality of constantly inviting the Divine Guest into our hearts. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful!
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