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STORIES
An Eucharistic Moment from the DomeBy Tony Ariniello, Student at the University of Notre Dame Sometimes God graces us with special moments when we feel an inexplicable hankering for life, an appreciation for all that we have been given. During the rat race of school work, meetings, practices and meals, at times I pop my head up and recognize my life as a true gift from God. Today was one of those days. This morning, I work up filled with absolute joy. Immediately, I got down on my knees to thank my Creator for yet another opportunity to fill my lungs with breath. After the joyful awakening, I followed the same basic routine that I have followed since I arrived here on campus. I ate the same eggs and cereal for breakfast. I went to biology, Italian, golf and math. I lunched with a friend, read the school paper and strapped on the pads for football practice. But, somehow it was different. In my classes, I received tools to understand God’s world and make it a better place. In the leaves on the ground, I saw the Lord’s intricate creation. And in the countless faces of students and professors and workers around campus, I saw Christ Himself. He shined in their bustle to get the day’s work done, in their ordinary acts of friendship and kindness, in their smiles, in their eyes. My day culminated with our nightly dorm Mass. The world Eucharist means thanksgiving, and tonight this made perfect sense. As I approached the Lord’s table, my thankful heart exploded. Oh! What joy to feel pure, cleansed, ready, open and prostrate before His throne to receive His Presence, to receive ALL of his love and life in the Holy Eucharist. In thanksgiving, I sacrificed to Him my life and love in return. In retrospect, I ask myself why I had such an awesome day. Was it mere luck? Do good days just come at random? Well, probably not. Lately, I’ve been working on my relationship with Christ. I’ve been studying how saints such as St. Therese of Lisieux made themselves into simple children of God. I’ve been spending time with Christ before the Blessed Sacrament and in devotions to our Blessed Mother. The more I make time for the Lord, the more I acknowledge that He is walking with me every moment of every day; even last night, as I was coming from football practice soaking wet in the rain! An attitude of thankfulness can turn our lives around. All we have to do is really think about who we are as children of God. If we set our hearts on the rewards that are beyond this world, each tiny piece of this life becomes an extraordinary gift from God! “And, whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). (Source: YOU! Magazine) |
 St. Michael the Archangel St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. Copyright © 2002 Saint Michael Center for the Blessed Virgin Mary
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