Yes to Seconds
The thought of food is never too far from my mind. It may involve items to add to my grocery shopping list or a new recipe to try or just looking forward to my next meal. This week’s daily Mass readings succeeded in whetting my appetite. There were crowds following Jesus, looking for a free meal, hoping for a repeat of the feeding of the five thousand. Manna was mentioned and the true bread from heaven given by the Father. The food theme culminated with words from the Bread of Life Discourse, where Jesus identifies himself as the “true bread from heaven” that gives life to the world. Think about all the opportunities we have to receive this true bread in the Eucharist at every celebration of Mass!
God invites us to help ourselves to His generous, soul-filling seconds every day. Hear His invitation repeatedly, especially through the grace of the Mass. Each time you are invited, RSVP “yes” to the most precious Feast.
Who wants seconds? Going back for seconds means we receive an extra serving, even more of a good thing. This not only applies to food but to other areas of our lives. Putting our faith into practice, we should not hesitate to write that note of encouragement, phone a friend, share a meal. Who doesn’t want or need extra success or second chances for love, forgiveness, or friendship? Yes, please!
There are many occasions when I ought to refuse a second serving of food. But never should I turn down spiritual seconds. Frequent reception of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist promotes a desire for even more of this amazing gift.
Dare I ask in prayer for a double portion of the Holy Spirit...twice the grace received...at least double the ability to give and receive? Yes, I should dare it!
My nourishing takeaways from the food-themed readings this week…just say yes to His gift of seconds. Continue to ask and to receive. Be open to offering that second helping, a second chance to others. May I show gratitude for all the second chances I receive and, in turn, be generous in offering seconds to others.
The Lord offers himself to us every day in so many ways. Even if we forgo some of these invitations, He will offer many more second chances throughout the day. May we practice saying yes to abundant second helpings of His goodness, mercy, grace, and love.