Feast of Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort

Good morning. “Peace be with you.” These words, ‘peace be with you’, is the greeting offered to the Apostles in today's Gospel when Jesus meets with them for the first time following His resurrection. Some of His next words are much more intriguing, “Have you anything here to eat?” This rather homespun inquiry could likely be spoken in nearly any household on any given day of the week. I mention this because it strikes me that a number of the significant events of Our Lord’s life center around food, as it does for most of us. In fact, we read in yesterday’s Gospel that the disciples whom Jesus encounters on the road to Emmaus came to recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Last Thursday we read from the Gospel of John of Jesus having supper with his Apostles for the final time before His crucifixion. It should come as no surprise to know that family meals have a significantly positive influence upon the emotional well being of the family. Research suggests that there exists less incidence of drug usage amongst children whose families consistently break bread together. In fact it is through the intimacy of sharing meals together that we come to appreciate the sense of peace that Jesus refers to in today’s Gospel from Luke. Family meal time is a time in each day when families can count on coming together and reconnect. Family meal time is something which today’s fast paced world, where children are overly involved outside the home and parents are disconnected, sorely needs. Family meal time is such a simple, yet wonderful opportunity for families to connect both emotionally and spiritually, that I am not at all surprised to hear Our Lord inquire ‘What’s for dinner?’ Make a great day!

Today we recall the good life, gifts, and works of Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort. The life of Saint Louis-Marie was one devoted to the Virgin Mary.