"Those who humble themselves will be exalted." Today's readings clearly call us to humility. Sirach -- a wise teacher in the Old Testament -- tells us that the more highly we think of ourselves, the more we should humble ourselves. Jesus not only tells us to be humble; he gave examples on how to practice humility, and then he showed us what humility and love look like: he laid down his life for us on the cross.

The Eucharist (Mass) is a perpetual memorial of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. At every Mass, he humbles himself yet again by giving us his Real Presence under the species of bread and wine.

Recently we have heard discouraging results of a survey of Catholics on the Eucharist: the majority of the respondents said that the Eucharist is just a symbol. No! In the Eucharist God gives us the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of His only-begotten Son. Jesus condescends to become present in the host and wine for our sake. Once again, he shows us what humility looks like. May we receive him the the Eucharist with great joy Sunday after Sunday, so that we will be in communion with him on earth, and exalted forever in heaven.

Feb. 26, 2023 (1st Sunday of Lent, St. Patrick Church, Apalachicola)

Bishop Bill Wack, CSC podcastBy Bishop Bill Wack, CSCMar 16, 2023