Today, the Universal Roman Catholic Church celebrates d Solemnity of the true body and blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. At every Holy Mass, we share the bread with Jesus Christ, that is communion is Christ himself not merely a symbol.

 We can say that old advert slang, "If he no be Panadol, he no fit be like Panadol" lol. This is our faith and tradition passed on from one generation to the next. St Paul says in 1Cor.11:23 "This is that I received from the Lord, and in turn passed on to you". Since, Christ came into the world to give himself and share his life with us. He gave his life for us to have life and be redeemed!!! Sing: "How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me...I will raise the cup of salvation, I will call on God's name"

In the book of Genesis 14:18, Melchizedek King of Salem blessed bread and wine, as a priest of God the Most High; and Father Abraham recognising this great Supernatural gift in the priest, gave him a tithe of every blessing received. How are you also repaying the Lord for his goodness to you? Or are you one of those who think or say God has not done anything for me?

 In the Holy Eucharist we experience that special moment of grace and mercy, because no one is perfect and worthy of him, yet he gives himself daily to us in the Holy Communion! Sing: "Count your blessings name them one by one..."

Hence, with our Faith intact, Christ feeds us, heals us, and strengthens us in love, through his presence in us! Let us therefore act like Jesus that we receive daily in d Eucharist. Let his presence within us be a source of strength to carry on amidst the challenges of our country/world today. There is no perfect home, no perfect business, no perfect society, no perfect nation; but we can make a difference with the presence of the perfect one within us (Christ in the Holy Eucharist). All we need is Love, Grace and Mercy! Sing: "Orisun Iye L'Oluwa, ibukun ayo ni mo gba, Oluwa lo fun mi lakara lati Orun wa, O ti funje Iye sokan mi"

Note: It is from d little you have that Christ will multiply (That your little faith, courage, hope and trust), just as he multiplied the five Loaves and two fishes in Luke 9:11-17. "He took the five loaves and two fishes, raised his eyes to heaven, and said d blessing...they all ate as much as they wanted."

Therefore, "He is a Miracle worker, he is a miracle worker, come and do your miracle in my life today, come and does your miracle in my life today"

Nothing is indeed impossible for God. He alone can make a way for you this 2016, if only you have faith and receive Him worthily and u are ready to present d little you have for him to multiply! Does the best you can and leave the rest to God.

Finally, how are you also sharing your life and love with others daily? If you receive without charge, give without charge. All you have are gifts from

God. St Paul reminds us, "Though we are many, we are one body in Christ".

Holy Mass/ Holy Eucharist is therefore a celebration of LOVE! So, if you have God in you, you will be glad to share his presence with others, and you will never remain idle, because you are on a mission to love. (Taste and see that the Lord is good). Sing: "Ibukun Orun, ore ofe to ga ju, ayo ti ko lo pin, Jesu yio fi fun wa"

From today, never take Mass so casual, like some social function/activity, believe and participate in what you believe; and d blessing within is yours to grab! "Unless u eat my body and drink my cup, you have no life in you" God bless us all. Sing: "O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine..."

  Fr. Stephen Balogun

Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan