I'm reminded of a true story of a soldier who was severely wounded. When he was out of surgery, the doctors said that there was a good chance for recovery, but as the days progressed he wouldn't eat anything. The nurses and nuns tried everything, but he refused all food-drinking only water and juice.

One of his buddies knew why the soldier wouldn't eat - he was homesick. So his friend offered to bring the young man's father to visit him. The commanding officer approved and the friend went to the parents' home. As the father was about to leave for the hospital, the mother wrapped up a loaf of fresh bread for her son.

The soldier was very happy to see his father. Then his father said, "Son, this bread was made by your mother, especially for you". The boy brightened and of course he began to eat.

We are alll wounded in the battle of life. Wounded by sin, by trials and pains, by loss and by our forgetfulness of God.

We lose our taste for the food that strengthens our souls. Holy Communion gives us life, spiritual life, God's life. It gives us spiritual healing and spiritual strength.