The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1324) describes the Eucharist as the source and summit of our faith. It is our help from heaven. It is where we encounter Christ in this life. While many Catholics are currently struggling with this fact, He is truly present in the Sacred Species. The old Baltimore Catechism defined a sacrament as an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. The Eucharist is the foremost sacrament since it IS Christ – Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity!
The gospel account from Mark reminds us that Jesus loves us so much that He willingly gave His life for us. His Body was broken, and His Blood was spilled. The Eucharist shows us the extent of His love. As disciples we are called to mission, we are to be Christ’s Hands and Feet for the world – a wounded world. We, too, are wounded and in need of healing.
That is the purpose of the National Eucharistic Revival – to personally encounter Jesus in the Eucharist so that we can be healed and enter a deeper relationship with Him. It is only through this healing and union that we make Him present in the world. The Eucharist was instituted in an intimate setting of a meal in which Jesus fed His disciples on a whole new level.
Corpus Christi and Holy Thursday are two important feasts that commemorate the gift of the Eucharist. Many parishes will hold special processions today after Mass or provide an opportunity for Eucharistic Adoration. Through these we can strengthen our love and devotion for the precious gift of the Eucharist, so that we can withstand this world’s struggles and experience a taste of heaven.
Blessings through our Eucharistic Lord!
Sister Marcella Louise Wallowicz CSFN
