Blessed John Paul II - Part III - By: Bob and Penny Lord

"Breaking through all resistance, the new Pope steers the ship safely between the two columns and moors it to the two columns; first, to the one surmounted by the Host and then to the other, topped by the statue of the Virgin. At this point, something unexpected happens. The enemy ships panic and disperse, colliding with and scuttling each other.

"Some auxiliary ships which had gallantly fought alongside their flagship are the first to tie up at the two columns. Many others, which had fearfully kept far away from the fight, stand still, cautiously waiting until the wrecked enemy ships vanish under the waves. Then, they too head for the two columns, tie up at the swinging hooks and ride safe and tranquil beside their flagship. A great calm now covers the sea."

This vision of Don Bosco's so reminds us of the urgency Pope John Paul had to give us these two gifts, the Eucharist and the Rosary before he died. He fully intended to implement the year of the Eucharist, to instill in us the importance of the Eucharist. He had great plans on how the year would be implemented throughout the Church. He talked about how the year would go; he looked forward to the World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany, which he did not live to see.

We see tremendous parallels with Pope John Paul's introductory letter to the Year of the Eucharist, and our way of writing about Miracles of the Eucharist. When he introduced the Year of the Eucharist, in October, 2004, he began with Scripture, the Scripture passage regarding the Disciples on the Road to Emmaus. He opened his letter with the phrase, "Stay with us, Lord, for it is almost evening."

From the very first time we talked about Miracles of the Eucharist, we began with Scripture, John 6: 51. We felt the need to preface any Miracle of the Eucharist with the Scripture passage regarding the Eucharist. When we talk about the importance of the Eucharist to Jesus, we share His urgency to affirm His Real Presence in the Eucharist. We talk about the teaching at Capharnaum, coupled with the actual giving of His Body and Blood at the Last Supper, and then we talk about the Disciples on the Road to Emmaus. We end with them rushing back to Jerusalem after Jesus had made Himself known to them. Their hearts burned as He shared the Scripture passages that affirmed all that Jesus had done, but they recognized Him in the Breaking of the Bread, the Eucharist.

Family, we don't know what we else we can say that will impress on you the importance of the Eucharist, especially in these times. We have to go back to our basics. Pope John Paul II knew the importance of leading us back to the Eucharist and the Rosary. We have strength, brothers and sisters. We need to tap into that strength, which St. John Bosco gave us in 1862, and John Paul gave us in 2004-5, the Eucharist and the Rosary. We need them. Use them. And above all, know that you are not alone.

You are never alone.

Copyright (c) 2011 Bob and Penny Lord's Site

About the Author

Bob and Penny Lord are renowned Catholic authors and television hosts on EWTN, Global Catholic television. They are prolific writers about the Catholic faith, especially the Saints." For more information about Pope John Paul II go to http://www.bobandpennylord.com

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