HADDONFIELD – Standing next to a monstrance placed on the altar of Christ the King Church, Father Jon Thomas spoke of the Blessed Sacrament’s promise, and the knowledge that “Jesus is still here.”
Citing Matthew 28:20, where Jesus tells his followers, “I am with you always, until the end of the age,” he noted that “when God is with someone, that person will be successful in everything he or she undertakes.”
The Dec. 7 lecture by Father Thomas, parish pastor, was among the series of talks being offered by the Diocese to help all discern the Eucharist during this three-year National Eucharistic Revival. These learning opportunities are being offered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese and are taking place at churches across the Diocese through Spring 2023.
Since the beginning, in every age, God has been present, Father Thomas explained – from Adam and Eve in the Garden, to Noah on the ark, to Moses on Mount Sinai. When God was made incarnate in Jesus, His salvific mission continued in a humble form to guide followers, heal the sick and proclaim freedom from captivity.
Today, the Lord’s “promise of presence” continues in the Mass, alive in the gathered assembly – the priest, God’s Word and the Holy Eucharist – Father Thomas said.
As churches around the globe continue to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, it is quite conceivable, he pointed out, that “at every hour, Mass is offered somewhere around the world, with the Divine Presence. The sun never sets [on the Eucharist].”
Although today the faithful may not hear God’s voice like Abraham or enjoy an in-person, tangible friendship with Jesus like the 12 apostles, they can still foster a relationship with Him. “In the Eucharist, God doesn’t talk, but only listens,” Father Thomas said.
It’s no coincidence, he added, that during Mass a priest says “The Lord Be With You” five times. “The priest is asking God for success in all of the congregation’s undertakings.”
Outside the Mass, Jesus is also waiting for all in Adoration, he said, recalling the words that French nun Saint Jeanne Jugan, foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor, related to her community. “Go and find Him, when your strength and patience are giving out, when you feel lonely and helpless. Say to Him, you know well what is happening, dear Jesus. Come to my aid.”
After her sisters said that prayer, Saint Jugan would tell them: “Go your way, and don’t worry about knowing how you’re going to manage. It is enough to have told our good Lord.”
In this same way, Father Thomas said, let all faithful confidently know that Jesus is with them, and go forward in faith.
“We have only to come to our parish church. … God is present there, same as he was at the splitting of the Red Sea, walking with the apostles, walking on water. He’s present not just to watch us, but to help us.”
Upcoming Lectures on the Eucharist
Jan. 3, 2023: “The Real Presence,” Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Parish of Saint Monica, Atlantic City, Father Joseph Pham (Vietnamese), 6:30 p.m.
Jan 5: “The Eucharist is the Center of our Christian Life,” Transfiguration Church, Most Precious Blood Parish, West Collingswood, Father Raymond Son Thai Tran, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 24: “I Have Called You Friends (John 15:15),” Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Cape May, Father David Devlin, 7 p.m.
Jan. 25: “The Eucharist, A Call to Evangelization, Discipleship, and Works of Mercy,” Christ Our Light Parish, Cherry Hill, Father John Picinic, 7 p.m.
Jan. 27: “Aspectos Esenciales de la Eucaristía: Presencia Real, Unidad y Servicio (Spanish),” Saint Joan of Arc Church, Sacred Heart Parish, Father Vincent Guest, 6:30 p.m.
For a full list of upcoming lectures on the Eucharist, visit
eucharisticrevivalsouthjersey.org/events. For videos from some of the past presentations, visit YouTube.com/CamdenDiocese.
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