The Eucharist: A Gift Beyond Measure

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch. CCC 1324.

What a strong magisterial understanding of the theology of the Eucharistic Mystery. In essence, the truth of the mystery is presented as an expression of Christ’s words, Lo, I am with you till the end of times. Cf. Matthew 28:20. In the Eucharist, Christ brings Himself to us as our God, who is ever with us. Thus, the concrete encounter of God by humans is made realizable in the reality of the Eucharistic Mystery. At the Eucharistic mystery, there is that fundamental deep-seated encounter and relationship between the Divine and humans, the creator and creatures, the Saviour and the saved. What could be greater than the Eucharist? Nothing. Because in the Eucharist, Christ is fully present and ever available to bring us united to Him in a supernatural way beyond human comprehension.

This truth is offered to us not just for abstract comprehension but to continually make us connect practically to the reality of Christ’s loving presence in the Eucharist so that we get ourselves practically united to Him in the journey of life, as we continually need strength, solace, healing, transformation, liberation, hope, fortitude and wisdom to navigate the complex dimensions of human journey. The Eucharistic encounter should always be the springboard of our daily survival and the fountain of energy for our survival and growth. We should make the Eucharistic encounter as a true fountain for hope, courage, inner joy and the spirit of resilience amidst the battles of life and facing strongly the storms and distractions that will have to confront as humans’ day after day.

God truly wants to help us in the struggles of life so that we do not just remain isolated and drained as we confront our fears and turbulence we often encounter as we navigate life in its joyful and sorrowful dimensions. Thus, He offers us His unfailing presence in the mystery that perpetuates the salvific life of Christ in the world. Nothing greater can be offered to us as avenue of divine encounter and support. We ought to embrace this supreme gift of God’s support and help as an expression of our faithful acceptance of God’s help rather than nagging and complaining that life has not be fair to us. Those who value the gift of Eucharistic encounter know very well that God has been good to them beyond measure, for in Him they live and keep moving to greater heights. This experience of Divine Help and support is practically real and existential in the concrete experience of those who prioritize Eucharistic encounter above all things and make that a springboard of strength for life. This should be an experience for all, not just for few people.

We all need to revitalize our faith in the Eucharistic mystery as the source and summit of our Christian life, for us to feel the strength of God as we keep moving in the experience of the dynamics of the complex human journey that requires greater energy and commitments from us so as not to lose the pathway that leads to true growth and happiness.

We do not have to face our fears all by ourselves since we have our God with us who truly wants to offer us the clarity, we need to keep moving without losing our tracks. We just must tap into the reality of the mystery where He is perpetually available to connect with us, listen to us and offer us the needed help and guidance. We just need to be available as much as He is ever available to offer His liberating and comforting touch in the Eucharistic Mystery. Let us not turn our back against the real fountain that gushes with relieving and refreshing water while we see ourselves panting for water to quench our thirst. The Eucharist is the fountain that gushes with water that will quench our thirst for strength, hope, courage, joy and truly beautiful life. On our journey to the kingdom, we will find the strength we need, at this table of remembrance of His rising from the dead.

Let us always understand the value of the Holy Mass and appreciate the mystery of Eucharistic encounter as we come regularly for celebration of Holy Mass.

Let us always create time individually and as a family for Eucharistic Adoration.

Let us always value the mystery of the Eucharist and connect every aspect of our lives with the Eucharistic Mystery.

Let us make our faith experience and commitment, the springboard of our joy, not just earthly realities.

Scriptural readings Sunday: Matthew 26:1-19. Monday: Matthew 26:20-35. Tuesday: Matthew 26:36-46. Wednesday Matthew 26:47-56. Thursdays 26:57-75. Friday: Matthew 27. Saturday: Matthew 28.