Such a Gift, and at such a time! There are several ways of giving a gift. If a poor man stops me in the street to ask an alms, I can be ungracious even if I help. So much depends on how I give. Jesus gives such a Gift, at such a time, and in such a manner. When we turn to the concluding chapters of St. John, we find that Our Lord surrounds the giving with every possible circumstance of love.
The preface to the supper reads: "Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." Then follows the washing of the feet, and the exquisite discourse preserved for us by St. John. Three thoughts run through it: You have no idea of the intensity and solidity of the love I have for each one of you; you have no idea of the hungering in My heart to be loved by you in return; lastly, you must understand that I want you to be united amongst yourselves by a bond of love so close that it will resemble the bond that unites Me to My Father.
We talk about the value of "the personal touch" when we give a present or do a favor. Where shall we find a friend like Him, Who is so anxious to give, at such a time, and with every conceivable mark of love surrounding the giving?
All this we can so easily come to take for granted. A non-Catholic once said to a Catholic: "If I believed what you Catholics believe about the Blessed Eucharist, I think I would never be off my knees."
Which brings us back again to the matter of regular and fervent and frequent reception of Holy Communion. When in my prayer here I think how people tell you, with almost a note of pride, that they receive three or four times a year, I see how little they appreciate this Gift of God. Surely I must train myself to regard Holy Communion from the point of view of the Giver. It is astonishing that He should long so for our friendship, and tragic that we should withhold it from Him by limiting the number of our Holy Communions. Monthly Holy Communion is good; weekly Holy Communion is better; daily Holy Communion, worthily received, is best of all.
Jesus, destroy in me the rust of selfishness and sin. Jesus, inflame my heart with love. Jesus, be my strength against the enemies of my soul. Jesus, permit me to make reparation.
Jesus, teach me to realize that Your love is true. Jesus, I would have mine true also. Thank You for deigning to tell me how to make it true. Strengthen my resolution....