Manna, the Eucharist, and the Test of Trust (Father Simon Says)

On Father Simon Says, Fr. Richard Simon draws a powerful parallel between the manna in the desert and the Eucharist today. Just as the Israelites were told to gather only enough manna for the day, God still calls His people to trust Him daily – especially in the Eucharist. Fr. Simon explains that the Eucharist is about a firm trust: “The work of God is to trust in the one He sent.” Like the ancient “Counting of the Omer,” where barley (symbolizing our earthly selves) gave way to wheat (our spirit turned toward God), the disciples – and we – are invited to grow through testing and transformation. That transformation begins with honesty. “God only works with confessed sin,” Fr. Simon reminds you. Grace can only reach us when we admit our need for healing. The Eucharist, then, becomes the ultimate trust test. Do we long for it, or do we simply check the box of weekly obligation? Fr. Simon challenges us to reflect: -Do I hunger for Mass? -Do I trust that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist? -Am I being transformed, or just going through the motions? It’s a reminder that what might seem like “just bread” is in fact a test of the heart – and an invitation into deeper trust in Christ. 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.