There is a scripture that says the last shall be first and the first last. Case in point: A sincere and belated thanks to the Men's Club of St. Joseph's for their recent and much appreciated donation to the Stewardship Garden. It will be used for supplies, equipment and materials. Again, a belated thank you for your financial assistance and volunteer efforts. You make the garden a success. More planting delays because of weather. Good news: More tomatoes in the ground and more will be ready in a week or so. Hopefully some peppers as well. Volunteers are always needed to help with the planting, follow on maintenance and harvesting. If you are able to help with any of these important jobs, please contact Gene at gr617@aol.com or 618-475-2402.
 
Next, the gifts we offered are returned to us. Not as bread and wine but as the Body and Blood of Christ. Holding the broken bread, we are told to look at it and are told: “Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who takes away the sins of the world.” then “Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” The very Lamb of Revelation. The heavenly, eternal wedding feast has begun. And we all pray directly to Christ in the words of the centurion: “Lord, I am not worthy.... only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” (Mt 8:8) Such faith. Knowing that a Jew was not permitted into the house of a gentile, the centurion knew Jesus would only have to speak the words and his son would be healed.  Now those who will receive, come forward, while the entire assembly sings as one, to receive the Body and Blood of Christ from the priest (a sacramental sign of Christ giving His Body and Blood to each of us.) Think about this: The priest (Christ) gives His Body and Blood first to the Deacon, then to the Eucharistic Ministers. They now have Christ in them, and they in Christ. So, they are Christ, giving us the Eucharist. As we are each given the Body of Christ, then if taken, the Blood of Christ, we say: “Amen” to express our belief, acknowledge the gift, agree to it and the consequences.  What? Accept becoming ourselves the Body of Christ and His Blood. Think about who you have become and how you should now act.  Be the best Steward, shepherd you can be; and as Father Mark tells us: Put God first; be Catholic. Reflect the light of our Lord to all those you encounter. We pray that God will bless you and prosper all you do in His name.