Complete Belief
"Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.'” (John 6:35-36)
"Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.'” (John 6:35-36)
There is a moment during Mass, right after the words of Consecration, when the priest elevates the Host and the Chalice. As I gaze at the Body and Blood of Christ, I quietly pray the words the Angel of Peace taught the children at Fatima during his first visit:
“My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee! I beg pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love Thee. Amen.”
My heart always adds these words at the end… “especially me and mine.”
In the Presence of Eternal Truth, my heart can not pretend. I become increasingly aware of the conflict and the struggle within as I hold at the same time who I am and who I want to be. Like the man begging Jesus to heal his son, I pray, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). My belief is like all good things in me, enough, yet not complete.
A few moments later during Mass, as I prepare to receive the Bread of Life I pray, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter into my house, but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.” I feel my heart settle as Love sets me free.
When was the last time we asked God for the grace to believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist?
“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Amen.
(Mark 9:24)
Ivonne Hernandez is a Catholic wife, mother, Lay Associate of the Blessed Sacrament, and President of Elisheba House. She is also a speaker and writer, and a member of the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. Ivonne and her husband, who have three young adult sons, reside in Trinity, FL, where they serve as coordinators for the OCIA program at their parish, St. Peter the Apostle.
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