The Loving Presence of Jesus

In this video for the first Sunday of Advent, Fr. Michael introduces our new series, Eucharistic Encounters: Advent & Christmas Reflections on the Gift of the Eucharist and the format we will follow: Videos today and each of the next 4 Sundays, and audio reflections daily Mon-Sat until January 1st. Watch today's video for Fr. Michael's first call to the priesthood through the enticing sound of the "ice cream truck" bells during Mass when he was only four years old. Scroll for Fr. Michael's touching poem The Gift of the Eucharist about a time when he felt Jesus fully with him during Mass. The Gift of Eucharist The still point At the center of the dance… The ancient words In the ancient ritual… “This, My body… This, My blood…” Time slows, now stops. All barriers fall away. Then becomes now. The past this day is present. The air thickens. The veil thins. Do you hear what I hear, Oh, my prayerful friend? But hush! He is here… Among us, beside us, within us. No words, No thoughts, no explanation. All mortal sound is silenced. A soul cries out in trembling praise: “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord. Amen? Amen!