How many of us even considered the words that are pronounced when the chalice is brought forth through the Royal Doors: “In the fear of God, and with faith and love, draw near”? This is our invitation to partake of the most incredible mystery the Church has to offer to us, a gift that we are totally unworthy to accept. But it is only by God’s grace that we may, with fear of God and faith and love, draw near to the body and precious blood of our Lord, God and Savior.

How can a person overcome fear? How can some pray without ceasing? How can we love an enemy? These are things that are simply humanly impossible to do! Or are they?

The question, what is eternal life, can be answered based on our understanding of the Christian faith. For some people, eternal life is simply the ability to live forever, either here or there, without any clear notion of the real impact that an eternal life may present, especially as it relates to their current existence. To live eternally in this world may be all that some people aspire to accomplish. This could be the reason for our obsession with youth; to look and act eternally young. But equating looking and acting youthful to eternal life as the Church teaches is a total misunderstanding. Also, some people may feel the need to live life to the fullest, which usually means to squeeze out the most enjoyment as possible, accumulating worldly riches and experiences to brag about. Once again, that is missing the mark.

How can there be such a vast difference in mankind’s attitude towards miracles? How can one person see a miracle and immediately recognize Christ, while others ignore what their eyes see, chalking it up to a mere coincidence? The answer lies in the heart!

Now, there is a lot of talk about going back to “normal”, back to the way things were before this pandemic began. Is this what we begin to do this morning in the Church? Or do we do as our Lord encouraged the Disciples this morning in the Gospel, to “Lift up our Eyes” and ascend to something greater