# Invocations of the Holy Eucharist
*2015-06-17*

> Bill Young reflects on St. Joseph Cafasso’s love of the Eucharist and leads listeners through the traditional five invocations, offering prayers of thanksgiving, surrender, blessing, offering, and supplication.

## St. Joseph Cafasso and the Eucharist

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today is Wednesday, June 17, the feast of St. Joseph Cafasso. In the 19th century he was known for his deep devotion to the Holy Eucharist, his ministry to prisoners, and his humility. As we honor his example, we will pray the traditional invocations of the Holy Eucharist.

## First Invocation – Thanksgiving

May you be blessed, O Lord, for the world you have created and for humanity which you have redeemed. May you be blessed, O Lord, for the sun which warms us and for your love which comforts us. May you be blessed, O Lord, for the water which purifies us and for the forgiveness which consoles us. May you be blessed, O Lord, for the bread which nourishes us and for your Body which fortifies us. May you be blessed, O Lord, for the air we breathe and for the prayer which lifts us to you. May you be blessed, O Lord, for all creatures of the earth, for all saints and angels in heaven.

## Second Invocation – Surrender to God’s Will

May your will be done, O Lord, whether our path is marked by crosses, whether our life is long or short, when we are hurt by others, when our circumstances are not as we wish, when good deeds are misrepresented, when misfortune makes our crosses heavier, when our sacrifices go unnoticed, when illness separates us from home, when we find no consolation even in prayer, or in the saddest hours of our lives. In every trial, may your will be done.

## Third Invocation – The Beatitudes and Christian Living

We believe in you, O Lord: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are the meek, they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who mourn, they shall be comforted. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, they shall be called children of God. Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness, theirs is the kingdom. Whoever wishes to be great must be a servant. Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom, but only those who do the will of God. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Do not judge, lest you be judged. Store up treasures in heaven, not on earth. No one can serve two masters. Seek first the kingdom of God and all things will be added to you.

## Fourth Invocation – Offering Our Lives

We offer you, O Lord, the bread which becomes your Body and the wine which becomes your Blood. We offer you the worries of our families, our sufferings and our pain, our joys, our homes, the smiles of our children. We offer you the work of our neighbors, the labor of all people, the prayers of monasteries, our own lives, our families, and our colleagues at work.

## Fifth Invocation – Stay With Us

Stay with us, O Lord, when doubts assail us, when hope wavers, when love for you diminishes, when distractions fill our days, when temptation seems too strong, when we are discouraged by failure, when we feel alone and abandoned, when sorrows bring despair, and when the hour of our return to you arrives. In joy and sorrow, in life and death, stay with us, our Lord.

*May the invocations of the Holy Eucharist deepen our gratitude, surrender, and reliance on God’s constant presence.*