June 13-14

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“I will be with you always until the end of the ages.”  These words of Our Lord are the absolute guaranties that no matter how bleak things get we are not alone.   And the ultimate assurance of His Divine Presence we celebrate today in a special way.  It is the Solemnity of Corpus Christi – the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.  Before He gave His Body and Blood on the cross for the salvation of the whole world, Jesus gave His Body and Blood to His Disciples under the appearance of bread and wine in the Upper Room on the night before He was crucified.  Our Lord empowered these disciples to continue this sacrificial meal as the way and means by which He would be with us always.

Just as the Lord provided the necessities of life for ancient Israel as they journeyed through the desert so in a more profound and intimate way, he sustains us on the journey to the Kingdom of Heaven.  In the Holy Eucharist one Lord commingles His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity with our unworthy and broken human nature.  “My Flesh is true food and my Blood, true drink,” says the Lord.  Today, as last Sunday, we ponder a mystery that is beyond human explanation, but must be embraced in faith.  May we pray for an increase in faith for ourselves and especially for those who have drifted away from the most glorious gift that God has given to His creatures.

As well you know, in order for this divine gift to come to us there needs to be priests.  One June 27, at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, Bishop Bambera will be ordaining to the Sacred Priesthood Rev. Mr. Jonathan Kuhar, Rev. Mr. Kevin Miller, and Rev. Mr. Shawn Simchock.  This is a joyous day for our diocese and we offer our prayers for these men who will continue to supply the Bread of Life and the Chalice of Salvation along with the forgiveness of sins to God’s faithful people.  Please pray daily for an increase of vocations to the Priesthood.

As we celebrate this great Mystery of Corpus Christi, we have the joy of returning to our regular (24-7) adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in our Eucharistic Chapel.  Thanks to all who are resuming their hours.  Kindly remember ONLY two adorers (or family adorers – thus more than 2) may be in the chapel at one time.  We will begin on Saturday at 7 AM.  As you are leaving the chapel at the conclusion of your designated hour, please sanitize kneelers and chair arms before leaving.

With Blessings,

Father Langan