We were made for God. And His will is present for us to discern in every situation, even - and perhaps especially - in those little decisions we imagine He cares nothing for. At first this can feel like a burden, a tedious pressure that will paralyze us. But if we learn to seek His will in all things, then in all things we can find joy and contentment.

It’s a funny and perhaps unexpected thing (because one might think there would be only a few) that each of you receives Communion at Mass in a way that is uniquely your own.

At the 9AM Mass on Thursday I reflected a little on my recent trip to Italy. After being away on retreat following Easter, I turned around quickly to travel to Todi for a wedding of former students. While in Italy, I was also able to spend time in Perugia and Rome.

It’s hard to believe that Pope Francis died. We had been talking about the possibility of his passing for some time now, but I don’t think anyone thought it would happen just yet. Still, as was his style, he surprised us all.

People still say it: “I’m spiritual but not religious.” It's an old expression, but it's also very modern and still in vogue. Wikipedia shortens it to SBNR. You probably don't need me to explain what it means, but just so we're on the same page: it's used to describe someone whose spiritual life is divorced from organized religion.

I’ve been interested these days in the difference between signs and symbols. Firstly, I think it’s intriguing to consider that there is a difference, when the two are so often thought to be interchangeable. And secondly, since the Church rejects that the Eucharist is a symbol, but affirms that Christ is a sign, an appreciation of the difference promised to lead to a deeper understanding of God through Christ.

It may sound pietistic, or just abstract, but I don’t mean it to be. In fact, the whole point of the priesthood is to incarnate the love of God - to allow it to become a living reality in our towns and parishes - to allow Christ, even now, to become flesh and to dwell among us.

I think it’s okay to say that even after receiving the Eucharist we still want more. Even though Jesus is truly present in Holy Communion, we sometimes imagine we’re the only ones returning to the pews praying embarrassingly, “Thank you, Jesus. But, if I can be entirely honest with You, I’m hoping there’s something more than this.”