Christ is not inviting us to excess or self-indulgence, but in making Himself bread and wine, He is blessing the ordinary and the extraordinary. Sustenance and celebration. He comes to us through symbols of the fullness of life in every stage and season. And these elements of bread and wine become not only our life-giving food, but much more. When we eat this bread and drink this wine we receive Christ’s life – the life of the Trinity that is self-giving, self-emptying love, a love that gives everything and contains all suffering and sorrow as well as all happiness and joy.

Readings at this Mass: Dt 8:2-3, 14b-16a | 1 Cor 10:16-17 | Jn 6:51-58

The way to protect our hearts from ever being broken is to seal them off and never take the risk of love; to close ourselves off. And that is the opposite of what the Trinity is. The Trinity is outpouring, complete self-giving. And that means being broken. It means taking a risk. Love means we are going to be hurt, but love doesn't care. Love is willing to take the risk. And love knows that life is better, that everything is better, when we pour ourselves out in love, even though that is painful and difficult.

Readings at this Mass: Ex 34:4b–6, 8–9 | 2 Cor 13:11–13 | Jn 3:16–18

Whatever obstacles you feel stand in the way, God has not given up on you. The Spirit placed within you is still there, waiting to be stirred into flame. But if you desire the Holy Spirit to become more alive and active in your life, then you must ask; He won't force Himself on you.

Readings at this Mass: Acts 2:1–11 | 1 Cor 12:3b–7, 12–13 | Jn 20:19–23