Before you begin your preparations, take a few moments to relax, breathing in and out deeply and slowly. As you become quiet within, allow God's gentle presence to fill you with each breath you take.

John 6:48

"I am the bread of life."

Life. In the Scriptures Jesus proclaims that he came that all may have life, life to the fullest. Jesus tells his listeners that he is "the bread of life." In every culture, one form of bread or another is the basic staple of life. Just as food served around our family tables nourishes our physical bodies, Jesus Christ nourishes our spirits and our very lives with his own self, "his" life at the Eucharistic table. What greater gift could we ever receive than the very life of Christ in us?

What moves me to more deeply appreciate Jesus' sharing his life with me?

How do my actions and words make evident the fact that Christ lives in me?

(Pray to God, using your own words or these that follow.)

God, source of our being, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of Jesus' own life offered to me when I gather with your people around your table. Open my heart to the depth of your love, to the bread of life that is your Son, and to the movement of the Spirit in my life.