Novena to Saint Pio day 4

 

4th DAY - THE EUCHARIST

From the Gospel according to Luke (22: 14-20)

When the time came he took his place at the table with the apostles. He said to them... I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for, I tell you, I shall not eat it again until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God‟. Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said, „Take this and share it among yourselves; for I tell you that from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes‟. Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, „This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me‟. And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, „This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you‟.

From the Writings of Saint Pio

But what hurts me most is the thought of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. My heart feels drawn by a higher force each morning before I am united with him in the Blessed Sacrament. I have such a hunger and thirst before I receive him that I almost die ... (Letters I, 29 March 1911) I think that the Holy Eucharist is a great means through which to aspire to perfection. But we must receive it with the desire and intention of removing from the heart all that is displeasing to Him with Whom we wish to dwell. (Letters III, 27 July 1917)

Prayer

Loving Saint Pio, you were a passionate and loving apostle of the Eucharist. The Mass you celebrated was “life of your life”, the only strength and comfort of your painful days of infirmity. Pray that the Eucharist may also be for us life and support on our difficult journey, that we may attain eternal life!

Glory be to the Father ...