Deacon Will@verbumsalutis
Homily Friday, April 24, 2026: How does Jesus draw us together as one Body?
Readings: (1) Acts 9:1-20 (2) John 6:52-59
My dear brothers and sisters,
On this Friday of the Third Week of Easter, the readings invite us to see how Jesus forms us as his Body.
In the first reading, Saul encounters a blinding light on the road to Damascus and hears the voice: I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. This moment shows Jesus fully identifies with his followers. From it, Paul develops the teaching of the Church as the living Body of Christ.
The Gospel deepens this truth. Jesus declares, Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him. In the Eucharist, we enter intimate communion with the Lord and every member of his Church across time.
In our own time many chase isolated spiritual experiences while ignoring the community formed at the altar. This fragments the unity Christ offers.
Christ calls us into one shared life through baptism and the Eucharist.
Let's ask for hearts open to this mystery. Lord Jesus, you unite us as your one Body in the Eucharist. Grant us grace to live this communion fully with you and one another. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, draw us closer in your light. Amen.
