July 15, 2025 // Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Psalm: Psalm 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33-34
Reflect on the Word //
My mind races as I turn right out of my driveway. I try to calculate how many errands I can possibly run in the two hours I have while my mother-in-law watches my three children. My to-do list is ambitious, and beyond that, the worries and anxieties of daily life swirl in the background of my brain. I receive a prompting from the Holy Spirit to stop at Adoration. But I don’t have time; I’ll never get everything accomplished, I spout back. In a moment of grace my heart softens, for experience has taught me better. I continue straight past my errands toward our parish adoration chapel.
“Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live” (Psalm 69:33).
After falling to my knees before Him, I slowly approach our Eucharistic Lord. I’ve been waiting for you, I hear Jesus say in my heart. Spoken with such tenderness, I am overwhelmed by the generosity of a God Who so desires to be with me.
The actual Bread of Life was waiting for me, as He waits for each one of His beloved in the adoration chapels and tabernacles of our churches. I am struck once again that He never leaves us, that He is always available, most especially in this profound gift of the Eucharist. He knows everything we need, but He wants to hear from us, our every concern and care, every dream and desire. I feel unworthy, but He reminds me His presence is not earned. It is His joy to love us, to fill us, and to feed us.
Let us turn to Him often in mind, heart, and Sacrament. Let’s prioritize time with Him in Eucharistic Adoration. The enemy will no doubt try to distract us, directing our focus towards technology, food, shopping, whatever it may be. But by grace, let us turn to Christ, for He gave His life that we, too, might live. “[Y]ou who seek God may your hearts revive” (Psalm 69:33). Amen.
Relate to the Lord // Make a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament this week. He is waiting for you in every tabernacle, all over the world.
Elise Howe is a wife, mother, vocal artist, and teacher. She is most joyful when creating with the inspiration of the Divine Artist. Elise hopes to live a life full of authentic beauty—especially through her song, her cut-flower garden, great books, delicious ice cream, and her yes to the Father. A born-and-raised Midwestern gal, she happily resides in Michigan with her husband, son, and two daughters. She was a contributing author to Set a Fire and Blessed Conversations: Misericordia.
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