Jesus continues to give himself to us, body and blood, soul and divinity, in the Eucharist, where this saving sacrifice is remembered and made present on altars in churches all over the world. In this image, we are the babies who seek the bread of heaven, the water of eternal life, and the saving and purifying blood of Jesus, which only he, in his infinite mercy, love, and goodness, can pour out upon us.

 

For parents and caregivers, this image resonates in another way. You undoubtedly experience the daily pecking of your breast, trying to care for and nourish the children that you have brought into this world. To be a parent is one of the most beautiful mysteries of our faith and an essential vocation for the upbuilding of the Kingdom of God. But amid the joy, beauty, and deep sense of fulfillment, the task of raising children can be hard, painful, and lonely. Take heart in knowing that you draw close to the Father, our Creator, as you participate in the miracle of forming and loving little ones into existence. You draw close to Jesus, our Savior, as you pour yourself out daily, sacrificing your body, your time, your preferences (and at times, what feels like your sanity) for the love of your children, as he did on the cross for each one of us. The Spirit dwells within you and helps you to make choices that will lead you and your family to become the men and women that God created you all to be. Embrace the pelican, as you pour yourself into your children and allow Christ to pour himself into you.