Beautiful Eucharist -- Points to Ponder
I hope you received your family's free copy of Matthew Kelly's book, Beautiful Eucharist, following the Christmas Masses. If you missed out and would like to read along with the rest of the parish, see Judy or Kathy in the main office for a copy.
In his "Why Do You Do That?" piece, Fr. Mike Schmitz relates the powerful story of a young girl who literally ate fallen Eucharist off the ground with her tongue and was martyred for doing so. We hear of another young man who eats the crumbs of Eucharist off the floor. He explains to Fr. Schmitz, "Why do I do this?... Because one crumb of the body of Jesus is enough to save the world. So why do I eat the crumbs of Jesus off the ground? Because I cannot do otherwise. Because He gives His whole self to me. I cannot but give my whole self to Him."
- How were you moved by the stories of the young girl and the young man?
- When was the last time you did something wholeheartedly?
- Jesus gives his whole self to you in the Eucharist. How would your life change if you gave your whole self to him?
Wish to share your thoughts or see how others are responding to these questions? Please consider joining the conversation in the "Comments" section below.
Bob
Comments
Kathy EndterPosted on 1/16/24
I was also moved by the young man taking the Eucharist from the floor. Desecration of the Eucharist or the improper receipt with no reverence is very disturbing to me as a Eucharistic Minister. We are asked to prepare a throne with our hands with our eyes on the Body of Christ. This is so often not done. The communion rail of the past is a fond memory for me....it magnified the moment and taught us reverence each time we knelt.
Cathy KenderPosted on 1/15/24
Jim & Barb,
I believe that the Eucharistic Revival Congress is scheduled for July 17-21.2024 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. I think you have to reserve a spot either individually or as a group.
Cathy
Jim MartinPosted on 1/15/24
This is addressed to Barb Phillips comment on last week's post by Bob. Barb, could you post additional information or a source where one could get more information on the pilgrimage you refer too? Thanks,
Cathy KenderPosted on 1/15/24
The story of the young man eating the crumbs of the Eucharist off the floor resonated with me, because I did something similar. It was twenty-five years ago, I was giving a Word Service at the assisted-living/ nursing home across from our parish. I had given the Holy Eucharist to an elderly woman, whom I thought knew what she was receiving. Instead, she took the Host, looked at it, and tossed it on the floor.
I did not hesitate to even think, but picked Our Lord up and placed Him in my own mouth. If it happened today, I would do it again...filled with the sweet body, blood, soul, and divinity of my ONE Mediator. Through my relationship with Him, I find my way, all things are held together, and I am reconciled!