Lecturer’s report, May 11, 2023, by Greg Brown

The Radioactive Host

I worked in the medical imaging industry for most of my career, specializing in ultrasound. But I also worked in nuclear medicine. In nuclear medicine one has to be trained about radioactivity, its dangers, and how to be safe. Radioactive isotopes give off radiation in all directions and its strength dissipates with distance. Lead and other materials can block it. the radiation is used to make a diagnostic image.

I find that in my contemplations about the Blessed Sacrament that it is a lot like radiation, except that its rays are rays of healing, mercy, grace, and love. This Holy Radiation goes in all directions, and its strength also dissipates with distance, but it cannot be blocked by anything, except maybe a hard heart. So consider this; the Eucharistic rays cover and penetrate every square inch of planet Earth. From every tabernacle in every church and chapel goes forth the merciful rays of Jesus’ love. Yes, it does dissipate in spaces far from a tabernacle, but they are still there.

Also consider this; that as in nuclear medicine one has to take the radioactive medicine into one’s body to be effective, so one must also take the Holy Eucharist into one’s body to be most effective.

Another way to look at the Rays of Mercy would be to compare them to the rays of the sun, warming the soul. Indeed, the very shape of the monstrance demonstrates how the rays emanate. So go then and warm your soul in the rays of the Holy Eucharist.

And now let us pray the Blessed Michael McGivney prayer.