Christ gives His Body and His Blood for the life of humanity, And all those who partake of His Banquet with dignity become living instruments of His Presence of love, mercy and peace. Saint Pope John Paul II Homily in 2004 announcing the Year of the Eucharist
The gift of the Eucharist is the Real Presence of Jesus. Ponder the words of Pope John Paul II. By partaking in the Eucharist, we become "living instruments" of the Presence of God by spreading His love, mercy and peace. Jesus calls us to be "living instruments."
How can we become living instruments? By coming to Mass often, every day, if possible. During the Mass, we receive the Word of God and the Bread of Life which nourish our souls. When we are nourished with Christ, we can spread His love, mercy and peace to all those we encounter. It begins with an encounter with Jesus at the Holy Mass.
Saint Irenaeus of Lyon, one of the greatest theologians of the 2nd century, is best known for refuting the Gnostic heresies in his writings, Against Heresies, 180 A.D
He wrote teachings on the Eucharist:
"Christ has declared the cup, a part of creation, to be his own Blood, from which he causes our blood to flow; and the bread, a part of creation, he has established as his own Body, from which he gives increase to our bodies."
"For just as the bread which comes from the earth, having received the invocation of God, is no longer ordinary bread, but the Eucharist, consisting of two realities, earthly and heavenly, so our bodies, having received the Eucharist, are no longer corruptible, because they have the hope of the resurrection."
Our Blessed Mother is the Mother of the Eucharist.
Love of Our Lady and the Eucharist are central to the life of Catholics. This is symbolized powerfully by the great Polish Dominican Saint Hyacinth. When the Tartars invaded the city, he went forth to meet them, leading the procession of novices with the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance. Our Lady called out from her alabaster statue, "Take me with you." Saint Hyacinth responded that the statue was heavy and Our Lady answered, "My Son will make it light." Saint Hyacinth was able to carry the statue of Our Lady. He was armed and he walked through the Tartar danger unscathed. And so will we if, armed with the love of Our Lord in the Eucharist and the love of His Mother, we will find that nothing can take us from God. We need the Eucharist. We need the Our Mother.
She is the tree of life to them that lay hold on her, and he that shall retain her is blessed. Proverbs 3:18
Let us pray for our priests who bring the Eucharist to us. Lord, bless them and keep them holy. Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of the Eucharist, keep our priests under your mantel of protection always.
O Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, pray for us, stay with us always and help up become "living instruments" of Christ's love, mercy and peace.
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