April 23, 2026
Thursday of the Third Week of Easter
Or Optional Memorial of Saint Adalbert, Bishop and Martyr
Or Optional Memorial of Saint George, Martyr
Gospel: John 6:44-51

Today is Thursday of the Third Week of Easter. The Church commemorates two martyr saints—Saint Adalbert of Prague and Saint George. The Gospel according to Saint John continues to present Jesus’ teaching on the Bread of Life.

The life of a Christian is often marked by opportunities to come to church to participate in Holy Mass and to receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in the fullness of the Eucharistic celebration. But what draws us to the church? Is it the sacred images that attract us? Or the hymns resounding in praise of the Lord? If so, then we are not among those whom “the Father draws” (cf. John 6:35). Yet when we come to church with the desire to hear the Word of God, to deepen our relationship with Him through the sacraments, and to be reconciled with God—resolutely approaching to receive the Body and Blood of Christ under the forms of bread and wine—then we are truly those drawn by the Father. When we receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are enabled to see the face of God the Father as He truly is, and we receive eternal life. For Jesus says: I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. (cf. John 6:51)

Almighty ever-living God,
let us feel your compassion more readily
during these days when, by your gift,
we have known it more fully,
so that those you have freed from the darkness of error
may cling more firmly to the teachings of your truth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica