THE GREAT GIFT OF EUCHARIST. Today I offer part 19 of my series on the USA Bishops’ National Eucharistic Revival document The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church. In this article I reflect on how we can best RESPOND to God’s Great Gift of Eucharist. For past articles on this Revival, the whole document, and a free study guide, go to our parish website: stmaryrutherford.org; click on National Eucharistic Revival Bulletin Articles. I’ll resume my series after Christmastime so I can devote my next few articles to those ‘coming home’ to the Church in these grace-filled days.

A Quote from Pope Saint John Paul II

“ … by sharing in the sacrifice of the Cross, the
Christian partakes of Christ’s self-giving love
and is equipped and committed to live this
same charity in all his thoughts and deeds.”

RESPONDING TO GOD’S GIFTS. Last week, we reflected on two of the primary ways we must respond to Christ’s Gift of Himself in the Eucharist: Thanksgiving and Worship. In the weeks before and during Lent, we will reflect on Conversion: our need to respond by being changed by what – or rather, changed by Who we receive in Holy Communion. And it is most appropriate and timely that as we enter what is often called the ‘Season of Giving,’ today’s topic is responding by being Transformed in Christ. If we are truly transformed in Christ, then we will graciously give of ourselves to others, especially those in need, as Jesus so freely gave – and continues to give Himself – to all who call upon Him.

 In this section of the document, the Church offers role models and exemplary teachers who, having received Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist, became Christ’s presence in the world. While none of us will likely have the tremendous impact of Pope John Paul II or Mother Teresa, we can have an impact – not only on those we reach out to help, but on those who witness our generosity. For when others see us giving to the poor: from bringing non-perishables to a food pantry basket, tossing change in a collection bin, spending time at a homeless shelter, we can move others’ hearts!

FAITH WITHOUT ACTION IS DEAD. In a world with so many needs, we can easily become overwhelmed by Christ’s mandate to do what we can for the poor. No one wants to hear those dreadful words, “Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.” (Matthew 25:45b) That is why actively participating in weekly Mass and regularly receiving Holy Communion are essential. For gathering under the image of Christ crucified, which is required wherever holy Mass is celebrated, we are reminded of the selfless love with which Jesus loves us. Through The Liturgy of the Word, we are given the ‘marching orders’ that prod us to perform good deeds. Through The Liturgy of the Eucharist, Christ enters us and graces us with the supernatural power we need to perform supernatural deeds. And then, sent forth with God’s blessing, we must put our faith into action.

IT’S A ‘ME & GOD’ MOMENT: A DANGEROUS NOTION. For over a century, the Church has stressed in her documents the COMMUNAL nature of our Faith and its Rites. No Sacrament exists solely for the personal benefit of those who partake in that Sacrament. We are Baptized into Christ’s Body , the Church, a community of disciples; through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit helps us activate our God-given gifts; we are reconciled to God and one another in Penance; some are Ordained to serve God’s People; we are Anointed in the hope of being restored to our place in the earthly Church or welcomed into the Communion of Saints; and Matrimony makes the home of a husband and wife (even those not blessed with children) a ‘branch’ (albeit not tax exempt!) of the local Parish.

However, it is the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Eucharist that uniquely forms and fortifies the Church to be what she receives. It is not by accident that she obligates us to join, at least once a week, in the ultimate ‘breadline.’ For all of us, rich or poor, male or female, young or old, healthy or ill, all of us, need to be transformed in and by Christ. Each time you come forward to receive Christ, strive to see in those joining you in the Communion Procession a sister or brother in need of the help only you can give.

With God’s love and my prayers,

Very Rev. Michael J. Kreder, VF, KCHS

THE GREAT GIFT OF EUCHARIST. Today I offer part 19 of my series on the USA Bishops’ National Eucharistic Revival document The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church. In this article I reflect on how we can best RESPOND to God’s Great Gift of Eucharist. For past articles on this Revival, the whole document, and a free study guide, go to our parish website: stmaryrutherford.org; click on National Eucharistic Revival Bulletin Articles. I’ll resume my series after Christmastime so I can devote my next few articles to those ‘coming home’ to the Church in these grace-filled days.

A Quote from Pope Saint John Paul II

“ … by sharing in the sacrifice of the Cross, the
Christian partakes of Christ’s self-giving love
and is equipped and committed to live this
same charity in all his thoughts and deeds.”

RESPONDING TO GOD’S GIFTS. Last week, we reflected on two of the primary ways we must respond to Christ’s Gift of Himself in the Eucharist: Thanksgiving and Worship. In the weeks before and during Lent, we will reflect on Conversion: our need to respond by being changed by what – or rather, changed by Who we receive in Holy Communion. And it is most appropriate and timely that as we enter what is often called the ‘Season of Giving,’ today’s topic is responding by being Transformed in Christ. If we are truly transformed in Christ, then we will graciously give of ourselves to others, especially those in need, as Jesus so freely gave – and continues to give Himself – to all who call upon Him.

 In this section of the document, the Church offers role models and exemplary teachers who, having received Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist, became Christ’s presence in the world. While none of us will likely have the tremendous impact of Pope John Paul II or Mother Teresa, we can have an impact – not only on those we reach out to help, but on those who witness our generosity. For when others see us giving to the poor: from bringing non-perishables to a food pantry basket, tossing change in a collection bin, spending time at a homeless shelter, we can move others’ hearts!

FAITH WITHOUT ACTION IS DEAD. In a world with so many needs, we can easily become overwhelmed by Christ’s mandate to do what we can for the poor. No one wants to hear those dreadful words, “Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.” (Matthew 25:45b) That is why actively participating in weekly Mass and regularly receiving Holy Communion are essential. For gathering under the image of Christ crucified, which is required wherever holy Mass is celebrated, we are reminded of the selfless love with which Jesus loves us. Through The Liturgy of the Word, we are given the ‘marching orders’ that prod us to perform good deeds. Through The Liturgy of the Eucharist, Christ enters us and graces us with the supernatural power we need to perform supernatural deeds. And then, sent forth with God’s blessing, we must put our faith into action.

IT’S A ‘ME & GOD’ MOMENT: A DANGEROUS NOTION. For over a century, the Church has stressed in her documents the COMMUNAL nature of our Faith and its Rites. No Sacrament exists solely for the personal benefit of those who partake in that Sacrament. We are Baptized into Christ’s Body , the Church, a community of disciples; through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit helps us activate our God-given gifts; we are reconciled to God and one another in Penance; some are Ordained to serve God’s People; we are Anointed in the hope of being restored to our place in the earthly Church or welcomed into the Communion of Saints; and Matrimony makes the home of a husband and wife (even those not blessed with children) a ‘branch’ (albeit not tax exempt!) of the local Parish.

However, it is the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Eucharist that uniquely forms and fortifies the Church to be what she receives. It is not by accident that she obligates us to join, at least once a week, in the ultimate ‘breadline.’ For all of us, rich or poor, male or female, young or old, healthy or ill, all of us, need to be transformed in and by Christ. Each time you come forward to receive Christ, strive to see in those joining you in the Communion Procession a sister or brother in need of the help only you can give.

With God’s love and my prayers,

Very Rev. Michael J. Kreder, VF, KCHS