Before my First Communion in 1957, I asked my parents if I could do something that surprised them. I wanted Mom and Dad to walk me to the Communion Rail, which was expected. But then I asked the unexpected. “Can I have Uncle Joe walk us, too?” Uncle Joe was my dad’s older brother. He had a hard life working in the coal mines where he got arthritis really bad. His fingers were all crooked. The pain made him sad and sometimes angry. Yet, I wanted to get to know him. That’s why I asked dad if Uncle Joe could join us.

So, my dad took me to Uncle Joe’s house. He opened the door, surprised to see us. Dad said to Joe, “Michael has something special to ask you.” I simply asked, “Uncle Joe, will you walk with me for my First Communion?” To this day, I’ll never forget the look on his face. His eyes started to water. He explained it away by saying “ just my darn allergies.” I suspected he was crying. This was the first time I saw a grown man cry. I thought only kids cried. Uncle Joe then said, “It makes me happy to be with you.” This was the first time I ever saw him smile.

My First Communion was so special because he was there. But then something even more special happened after Mass ended. Mom and Dad threw a party at our home, which was government apartments because we weren’t rich enough to live in a house. Uncle Joe took me aside privately. He said, “I have a gift for you.” He gave me a little wrapped box. Inside was a beautiful gold wristwatch. I didn’t know yet how to tell time but I didn’t care. On the back of the watch he had engraved two words. He read it to me because I didn’t yet know how to read. It said, “Remember me”.

I wore that watch for the next 29 years. Every time I wore it, I remembered my Uncle Joe and my First Communion where he walked me to the Communion Rail with his hand on my shoulder. The watch broke in 1986, the same year he went to Heaven.

Children, today you will make your First Communion. Jesus made Holy Communion at the Last Supper before going to Heaven. The Bible describes what Jesus did, “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” (Luke 22:19)

Just like my Uncle Joe who gave me a gift to remember him, Jesus gives us a wonderful gift. Every time you receive Holy Communion, remember Jesus. Remember that Jesus loves you. Remember that Jesus will always help you. Remember that Jesus is loyal to you. Remember that Jesus is near you with His hand on your shoulder. And never forget Jesus lives inside of you. His Body becomes one with your body. That’s why we call it “Communion” which means to be one. It’s like when someone gives you a big hug.

The best time to talk with Jesus is right after eating Holy Communion. A very good person, Saint Teresa, said this is what you should do. “After you receive Jesus into your heart, tell Him how much you love him. Talk to Him as your best friend because that is just what He is. Ask Jesus what He wants you to do with your life.”

This is what Jesus wants you to do. Jesus wants you to remember to love like He does. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Obey everything your mom and dad say for the next 25 years. (Parents may get 25 minutes, if they’re lucky.)

2. Always tell mom and dad the truth. Especially your mom because she can see everything even when she is not looking at you.

3. Give your mom and dad lots of hugs and kisses and tell them how much you love them. They will remember this when you turn 16 and you want to borrow the car.

4. Be sure to go to bed on time. Moms and dads love you the most when you are sleeping.

5. God gave you only one mom and dad just for you. Cherish them. Treat them good now and they’ll babysit for you later. Twenty years from now, you’ll what I mean.

Jesus wants you to do everything in remembrance of Him. May we never forget that. Blessings…Fr. Mike