Fr. Reuben started with a hymn “I have a spirit in my heart and it is keeping me alive”.
Slogans are very important because they are always in our mind and we do not tend to forget.
He reflected on the slogan of Jesus in action: Mt.26:26; Mk 14:22 and Lk.22:19 – He took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.
Jesus took
Symbolic of taking is receiving. Jesus received all borrowed things right from birth to the tomb. We are also given opportunities to take and we take them to make use of it e.g., taking the womb which, the mother is giving. We find lot of goodness. We are taking for our own growth and nourishment as a person.
He Blessed
Blessing is important. God is the source of all blessings. Blessing should be given not only by elders to younger people but also children can bless the elders by being grateful to them. We are grateful to those who help us grow. E.g. Mother Mary who sang the Magnificat. An Attitude of Gratitude makes our life a Beatitude. Eucharist is a thanksgiving to God. We have to thank God that in the loss of our spouse God has given us hope and life to move ahead.
He Broke
Symbolic –Body broken on the cross is now shared.
2 Symbols of Eucharist – Bread & Wine (wheat is crushed to make flour and 100s of grapes are crushed to make wine. We as widows are crushed/suffer in different ways. We experience betrayal by our very own; property matters; sickness; loneliness etc. but when we share the Eucharist, we find strength to carry on.
He gave
Symbolic – giving
As Jesus gave his life for us all, we also have to give our time, our helping hands and listening ears to others in need. Besides being a member of Hope and Life, I also have an identity in the world that I am a woman, a person created in the image and likeness of God. We have to stand up for these widows who are tortured by superstition. These practices can destroy the life of a widow. We have to follow Jesus who came to liberate us.
The Adoration conducted by Fr. Reuben was also very inspiring.
The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Reuben along with Fr. Vernon. In his homily Fr Reuben stressed that Jesus is not against riches. We have resources and it is good to multiple. We should not allow riches to replace God in our lives. Riches come from God. We should be rich in mercy, compassion and forgiveness and share it with others, we will get back a hundred-fold.
Irene D’Souza
Secretary