The diary of the Christian: Gospel, Saint, thought of Padre Pio and prayer of the day

Today's gospel concludes the beautiful and profound sermon on the bread of life (see John 6:22–71). As you read this sermon from cover to cover, it is evident that Jesus moves from more general statements about the Bread of Life that are easier to accept to more specific statements that are challenging. He concludes his teaching just before today's Gospel by saying very directly: "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him". After Jesus said this, many who had heard him left and followed him no more.

Pass of the Gospel day April 24, 2021. As a result, many of his disciples returned to their old way of life and no longer walked with him. Jesus then said to the Twelve: "Do you also want to go away?" John 6: 66–67

There are generally three common attitudes that people have towards the Most Holy Eucharist. One attitude is that of profound faith. Another is that of indifference. And a third is what we find in today's Gospel: unbelief. Those who have strayed from Jesus in today's Gospel did so because they said: “This saying is difficult; who can accept it? What a beautiful statement and question to ponder.

It is true, in a certain way, that Jesus' teaching on the Most Holy Eucharist is a harsh saying. "Difficult", however, is not bad. It is difficult in the sense that believing in the Eucharist is only possible through a faith that comes from a profound inner revelation of God. In the case of those who turned away from Jesus, they listened to his teaching but their hearts were closed to the gift of faith. They got stuck on a purely intellectual level and, therefore, the idea of ​​eating the flesh and blood of the Son of God was more than they could comprehend. So who could accept such a claim? Only those who listen to our Lord as he speaks to them within. It is only that inner conviction that comes from God that can be the proof of the truthfulness of the Holy Eucharist.

Do you believe that when you consume what appears to be just "bread and wine", you are actually consuming Christ himself? Do you understand this teaching of our Lord about the bread of life? It is a harsh saying and a difficult teaching, which is why it must be taken very seriously. For those who do not completely reject this teaching, there is also the temptation to be a little indifferent to the teaching. It can easily be misunderstood that it is only a symbolism in the way our Lord speaks. But symbolism is more than just symbolism. It is a profound, inspiring, and life-changing teaching of how we share the divine and eternal life that our Lord desires to give us.

Day 24 April 2021. Reflect today on how deeply you believe this harsh saying of Jesus. The fact that it is a "hard" saying should make you seriously examine your faith or lack of it. What Jesus teaches changes life. It is life-giving. And once this is clearly understood, you will be challenged to believe with all your heart or to turn away in disbelief. Allow yourself to believe in the Most Holy Eucharist with all your heart and you will find that you believe in one of the deepest Mysteries of Faith. Read also Healed by Padre Pio instantly, he saves the whole family

Prayer of the day

My glorious Lord, your teaching on the Most Holy Eucharist is beyond human understanding. It is such a profound mystery that we will never be able to fully understand this precious gift. Open my eyes, dear Lord, and speak to my mind so that I can hear Your words and respond with the deepest faith. Jesus I believe in you.

Padre Pio's thought: April 24, 2021

Unfortunately, the enemy will always be in our ribs, but let's remember, however, that the Virgin watches over us. So let's recommend ourselves to her, let's reflect on her and we are sure that the victory belongs to those who trust in this great Mother.

April 24 San Benedetto Menni is remembered

Benedetto Menni, born Angelo Ercole was the restorer of the hospital order of San Giovanni di Dio (Fatebenefratelli) in Spain, as well as the founder in 1881 of the hospital Sisters of the Sacred Heart, particularly dedicated to the assistance of psychiatric patients. Born in 1841, he left his post in the bank to dedicate himself, as a stretcher bearer, to the wounded in the Battle of Magenta. Entered among the Fatebenefratelli, he was sent to Spain at the age of 26 with the improbable task of reviving the Order, which had been suppressed. He succeeded with a thousand difficulties - including a trial for alleged abuse of a mentally ill woman, which ended with the condemnation of the slanderers - and in 19 years as a provincial he founded 15 works. On his impulse the religious family was also reborn in Portugal and Mexico. He was then apostolic visitor to the Order and also superior general. He died in Dinan in France in 1914, but rests in Ciempozuelos, in his Spain. He has been a saint since 1999.

News from the Vatican

Celebrating his name day, the feast of St. George, Pope Francis was serenaded by hundreds of Rome's most vulnerable residents and the people who care for them. The pope, aka Jorge Mario Bergoglio, celebrated his birth saint on April 23 by visiting people who came to the Vatican for the second dose of their COVID-19 vaccinations. Nearly 600 people were to receive vaccinations throughout the day. The photos of the pope with special guests and of Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almsgiver.