Most of us pay at least some attention to what kinds of things we are eating so that we're sure we get enough energy and can expend it to accomplish our tasks. If we only ever ate “junk food,” we would lack energy and not be at our best.

Do we think about that when it comes to our souls? Do we fill our souls with spiritual “junk food” or do we fill ourselves with good habits of prayer, the sacrament of reconciliation, and receive the Eucharist?

Today’s reading from the Old Testament is not explicitly about the Eucharist as Ezekiel discusses what he envisions for the exiles, but his recognition of God’s presence can be extended to this train of thought.

If we pay attention to the fact that the food we eat gives us the sustenance our bodies need for our day, why don’t we pay attention to the fact that Jesus in the Eucharist gives us the sustenance our souls need?

We so often take our access to receiving the Eucharist for granted. It is an incredible gift to be able to receive our Lord weekly (or even daily) and have our souls fed so that we may bear fruit. Our souls are “watered by the flow (of grace) from the sanctuary.”

This meal we partake in at Mass should be something we are conscious of, allowing ourselves to be nourished and then using that nourishment to bear fruit for His kingdom.

Do I allow myself to be filled with God’s grace?

Lord, please strengthen my knowledge and belief of your presence in the Eucharist. Help me be conscious of the grace that you pour out through the sacraments. Amen.