"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." - James 1:2-3 

Our life's road is full of many obstacles.  Some we can avoid; some we have to detour around; and some just hit us right in the face. 

With God as our guide, our faith is made stronger as our crooked road is made straight and each obstruction is cleared from our path. 

What obstacles have you stumbled upon? 

Dear God, thank you for being my navigator as I steer through my life's journey with You.  Amen.

"... the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, 'This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' " - 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 

The priest held the Host in his hands. He bent over the paten to get closer to his Beloved.  He lovingly gazed at Him, caressed Him with his fingers, and slowly and gently uttered the words of consecration.  "This IS my body ..." 

Then the priest took the Chalice in his hands.  He peered into the depths of the cup.  He fixed his eyes on His blood, which had been shed for him and for us.  He intently spoke the words of consecration as he swirled His blood within the cup.  "This IS the Chalice of my blood ..." 

Witnessing this priest during the Eucharistic Prayer was a powerful, life-changing experience.  He was no longer "present" to the congregation, but was supernaturally elevated between Heaven and earth.  He was One with Jesus, and Jesus was One with him. 

And we were all beneficiaries of the encounter. 

Lord Jesus, sanctify Your priests.  Amen.