How is the Eucharist a Test? (Father Simon Says)

🧺 Manna as a Test  Remember the Israelites in the desert? They had around 40 stations during their wilderness wandering. God told them to collect an Omer of manna daily — just enough for the day. This was to test them.  And Fr. Richard Simon makes this great connection: 👉 Manna was a test. The Eucharist is a test.👉 Not “I kinda believe Jesus might be present in the Eucharist,” but “I firmly trust You, Jesus.”  🥖 Barley, Bread, and the Counting of the Omer Ever heard of the Counting of the Omer? It's an ancient Jewish tradition where you count the days from Passover to Pentecost. During that time, they would offer barley (symbol of our earthy, fleshly selves) until they could finally offer wheat (spiritual, God-directed selves). Fr. Simon explains, "Barley is us in the flesh. Wheat is us in the Spirit." 🍞➡️🌾 So, in those 40 days post-Resurrection, the disciples were being tested and transformed. They flunked at first. (Peter asked, “Is it time for us to get those government jobs now?”) The Real Work: Trust "The work of God is to trust in the one He sent." - Fr. Simon Father reminds us: God doesn’t test us to learn about us; He tests us so we can learn about ourselves. 🙏 💬 Confession Time (Literally and Figuratively) Father says we need to admit we’re sinners. Grace doesn’t land if you pretend you don’t need it.  “God only works with confessed sin.” - Fr. Simon 🔥 If you’re saying, “I’m not sinful” then... yeah, He can’t help you. But if you say, “Okay Lord, I am in need of healing,” God can begin the transformation.  So, What’s the Point? The Eucharist is the ultimate trust test. Will we trust that it’s really Jesus? Will we long for it like daily manna? Or do we just go to Mass like it’s a weekly obligation punch card? Fr. Simon challenges us (lovingly 😇) to ask: -Do I long for Mass? -Do I trust Jesus in the Eucharist? -Am I being transformed, or just going through the motions? Share This With Someone Who: -Thinks Mass is boring 😬 -Needs a fresh take on the Eucharist -Is struggling to trust God in tough times Because what you think is just bread... is actually your entire heart exam. ❤️ The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.