Serving at the altar raised a live question: “If Eucharistic miracles make belief easier, why don’t they happen more?” Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks walk through what the Church means by miracle, why visible phenomena (flesh/blood) are actually less than the Eucharist itself (the whole living Christ), and how forgiveness and transformed virtue are real—though often unseen—miracles. We also clarify roles at Mass (Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion) and reflect on believing without seeing. Throughout, we keep the three lenses in view: honesty with self, charity with others, under a living relationship with God.

Key Ideas

Miracle ≠ rarity; miracle = beyond nature. The Eucharist is already a miracle: bread and wine become Jesus—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

“Less visible, greater reality”: a Eucharistic miracle (flesh/blood) is a sign; the Eucharist is the greater reality—Christ whole and living.

Science points, faith receives: studies of reported miracles often converge (heart tissue, left ventricle, trauma markers, AB+), but signs serve the Sacrament.

Unseen miracles: absolution, growth in virtue, and daily conversions are real works of grace you can’t photograph—but you can live.

Roles at Communion: clergy are ordinary ministers; laypeople assist as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion when needed.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe”—ask for faith to recognize and receive the Giver more than the signs.

Links & References

“Scientifically Analyzed Eucharistic Miracles” (Truthly, 11-min video referenced by Father): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHO8L9477aU

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Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Eucharist, Eucharistic miracles, Real Presence, AB positive, heart tissue, left ventricle, signs and wonders, forgiveness of sins, confession, virtue, grace, believing without seeing, faith and reason, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, clergy and laity, Mass roles, altar ministry, miracle definition, Lanciano (discussion), conversion, prayer, interior healing, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality

We say it every Mass: “Lord, I am not worthy… but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” What are we asking—and what should we expect? Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks unpack the centurion’s faith behind that line, how the Eucharist gives not just a word but the Word made flesh, and why Communion is an invitation already given—not a feeling we must wait for. We close with a simple New Year resolution: prepare better, receive more, and let grace heal what we cannot. Through the three lenses: honesty with self, charity toward others, under a living relationship with God.

Key Ideas

• From Scripture to altar: the centurion’s “say the word” (authority, trust) becomes our Communion prayer—humble, confident, obedient.
• More than a word: at Mass we receive the Giver Himself—Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist—superabundant love for unworthy hearts.
• Invitation stands: unless you should refrain, don’t wait for a private signal; the liturgy itself is Christ’s call to come.
• Feelings vary; grace doesn’t: ritual prayers serve a billion souls—some days they fit our mood, others they lead it.
• A practical resolution: arrive a bit early, call to mind sins and needs, and ask to receive Him more fully this year.

Links & References

• Scripture named (no links):
  • The centurion’s faith (Matthew 8:5–13; cf. Luke 7:1–10).
  • “Come to me, all you who labor…” (Matthew 11:28).
• Liturgy referenced (no link): Communion rite (“Lord, I am not worthy…”) and the Eucharist.

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Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Eucharist, Holy Communion, “Lord I am not worthy”, centurion’s faith, Matthew 8, Communion rite, Real Presence, grace, worthiness, humility, trust, authority of Jesus, liturgy, feelings vs faith, participation in Mass, preparation for Mass, resolution, healing, salvation, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality

A four-year-old’s question—“Why does Santa look different?”—opens a bigger one: why does Jesus look different in every painting, and how do we recognize Him today? Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks explore how sacred art (especially icons) shows inner, spiritual reality more than photo-realism—and how Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist even when our eyes see only bread. As Christmas Masses fill with newcomers, we talk about hospitality, cooperation with grace, and moving from the visible to the invisible: from faces and symbols to the Person who loves us. Always through the three lenses: honesty with self, charity with others, under a living relationship with God.

Key Ideas

Different “looks,” same identity: saints (and St. Nicholas) are shown with signs of their vocation; Jesus is recognized by what’s essential—wounds, mercy, and divinity—not a fixed facial template.

Icons aim beyond photography: light “from within” depicts the glorified person; art can reveal deeper truth than surface detail.

Real Presence, hidden form: in the Eucharist our senses see bread; faith meets the living Christ—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

Childlike faith teaches adults: wonder and simple trust help us notice God’s voice in conscience and daily life.

Christmas hospitality: welcome irregular Mass-goers with warmth and witness; our charity can draw people back to the Church.

Links & References

National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion (approved Marian apparition to Adele Brise, Champion, WI): https://championshrine.org

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Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Advent, Christmas, St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, icons, iconography, sacred art, Real Presence, Eucharist, conscience, childlike faith, visibility and invisibility, signs and symbols, wounds of Christ, hospitality, Christmas Mass, welcome culture, evangelization, parish life, Incarnation, contemplation, prayer, gratitude, relationships, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality