Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter April 28, 2004 Scripture: Acts 8:1B-8; John 6:35 40 Reflection: On the feast of the Holy Family, we gathered with our nephew Geoffrey who was being deployed to Iraq for two years. It was a sacred and scary time for our family. We listened and watched for two hours, services being conducted for the 250 men and women standing at attention and thousands of family members gathered in the Armory before deployment. As we gathered for Eucharist, we listened to the scriptures, and shared with one another our love, prayers, laughter, tears and fears. Geoffrey spoke with tremendous gratitude for the blessings of faith, family, friends and his trust in God. During this Easter Season as we continue to reflect on Christ, who is the bread of life, may we pray for the grace to be Eucharistic people, to be the bread that is blessed, broken and shared with others and the wine to quench the thirst of those who long to be nourished. Suggested Action: - Write a letter to someone serving our country. Assure him or her of your love and prayers. - Put together a care package with your family, friends or church community and send it to the troops serving our communities and country. - Look around you and see the face of Christ, especially in the poor of your community who are hungry and thirsty. Make an effort to be Christ’s hands, feet, and voice through your actions today. Sr. Kieran Williams, IHM Williamston, North Carolina

Graphic: Sr. Fran Fasolka, IHM