The Eucharist for Catholics is a sign of unity and peace. Jesus says in the Gospel of John, “That they may be one in us as the Father and I are one.” While the word, “catholic” means universal and was given to the Church to represent peoples from many difference nations and cultures, it is in the Eucharist that we experience the unity and peace that brings us all together as it is being offered from around the world. Also, the word, “Eucharist” means thanksgiving. It is in the Eucharist that we offer to God our thanks for all of the many blessings we have received, the most important being the sacrifice Jesus made for our redemption out of love enabling us to have a new life in him. “Greater love no one has than to lay down one’s life for a friend.” Eucharist becomes a verb, the action of God’s love dwelling in us. When we gather around the table with Christ, we are also united with one another. A sign of that unity is our willingness to forgive one another. Christ makes this a priority before receiving his body and blood in the Eucharist. It will make our unity in what church is meant to be, a witness to the world.What part does the Eucharist (Mass) play in your spirituality?Does the Eucharist not only enhance your personal faith but create a bond with others?How has participation in the Mass transformed you? O God, thank you for coming to me in a special way in the Eucharist.. |
