THE EUCHARIST IN TIME OF NEED

 

As we await transition in government of our country, many are in fear of what may play out.  For sure, many have forgotten the word balance, which is so primary in the Rule of St. Benedict. And while many are denied the Eucharist due to the on-going crises caused by the pandemic, we must not forget the value of the Body of Christ given to us in the Eucharist. Christ’s presence in the Eucharist heals wounds and transforms bitter negativity into the joy of Lord. 

 Many are fearful still of attending Sunday Mass, but find consolation in daily Mass where there are few in attendance. 

 

The Holy Father has said: “The Eucharist brings us the Father’s faithful love, which heals our sense of being orphans. It gives us Jesus’ love, which transformed a tomb from an end to a beginning, and in the same way can transform our lives. It fills our hearts with the consoling love of the Holy Spirit, who never leaves us alone and always heals our wounds.”

In this year dedicated to the Eucharist in our Archdiocese, I find it no coincidence, that while so many cannot partake of Christ’s Body, many who can, are offering it for those still suffering denial.

“He comes as Bread broken in order to break open the shells of our selfishness. He gives of himself in order to teach us that only by opening our hearts can we be set free from our interior barriers, from the paralysis of the heart.”

“It is especially urgent now to take care of those who hunger for food and for dignity, of those without work and those who struggle to carry on. And this we must do in a real way, as real as the Bread that Jesus gives us.”

“This is the strength of the Eucharist, which transforms us into bringers of God, bringers of joy, not negativity,” Pope Francis said.