partaking of divine Life, through and in Christ, is substantially increased by the part we take in Mass and Holy Communion. Holy Communion is the heavenly Food which instead of changing into us, changes us into the likeness of Christ Himself. In giving a Mass for those we love, we are giving them not only Christ, the greatest Gift, but also, in a measure, ourselves. Our part in the gift is materially expressed by the gift of our Mass Stipend. At the Offertory, the bread and wine used in the Sacrifice is our gift, as it represents our offering. At the Consecration, that same gift is changed by the power of Christ into His Body and Blood. Miraculously, at the time of Holy Communion, that gift returns to us to be the Food of our souls. The Prisoner in the Tabernacle speaks to us: “I love you! I think of you! I wait for you! I pray for you! I follow you with My Eyes wherever you go, whatever you do! I watch over you unceasingly, I intercede for you; I make reparation for you; in your name, I adore, I praise and I thank the Father, and before Him, I take your place. I wait for you that I may reveal to you the secret of happiness! Only near Me, can happiness be found! COME TO ME!” What a pity it is in the eyes of the Angels that flowers, candy and mere human words should take almost exclusive priority where words fail in the expression of love! The Mass is the greatest Gift! It has meaning as deep as the Cross, as enduring as the Love of Christ. The next time a birthday arrives, or an anniversary, wedding, or any happy occasion for showing love, bless the celebration with a gift of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Take the Hand of God that you may be given the life-rope made up of the Mercy of the Father, the Sacrifice of the Son, and the Love of the Holy Ghost. Let us grasp it with faith, cling to it with hope, and hold fast to it with perseverance. Doing this, we will be saved!!! May Christ, the Son of God, come into the world again for you at the hands of His priest! May His Angels carry His divine pleadings and prayers, His Love, His Service, His Sacrifice to the Altar on high; and through Him, may Our Father fill your hearts with every grace and blessing! I impart to all of you, my priestly blessing: �� In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. Father IVAN KOLODIY Byzantine Rite, Greek-Catholic Church, UKRAINE
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