Beautiful Eucharist -- Astonishing!
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 the first ten pages of his book ("Introduction: Astonishing"), Matthew Kelly makes concise statements about the Eucharist that hit home for me:
- The Eucharist is at the core of our faith.
- I could never leave the Catholic Church... because I believe that Jesus is truly present--body, blood, soul and divinity--in the Eucharist.
- This sets the Catholic Church apart: Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is uniquely Catholic.
- In the Eucharist we become one with God. (St. Francis de Sales quote)
- When you go to Mass next Sunday, keep in mind, the Eucharist is not just a symbol. This is Jesus.
- [T]he Eucharist is the supreme source of the grace you need.
Allow me, please to offer a few discussion questions. Did anything in Matthew Kelly's first ten pages hit home with you? Did your views on the Eucharist change in any way after reading the introduction? How is the Eucharist at the core of your faith?
Please consider joining the parish-wide discussion and sharing your thoughts through the "Points of Light" blog on the parish website. Hope to chat with you there!
Bob
Comments
Steven HumbletPosted on 1/13/24
It's often quoted the more you give the more you get. With out question the more focus I put on the Eucharist the more value I recieve from it during communion. Attending a simple aderation service can really get you started! Sitting quietly in the Presence of Jesus you'll feel it as well. Christ can build from even the smallest of cracks in our hearts.
I was once asked to assist with videoing a mass, during that process you must focus on one frame (scene) at a time, you listen intently to Fathers words in anticipation of the next scene. If you really really listen to Fathers words during consecration by time the bells ring for the third time you'll know they ring just for you. Please answer. No need to thank me the holy spirit was near by. Best to all,
BobPosted on 1/02/24
I agree, Steve. I admit that most times when I receive Eucharist, I don't necessarily feel a huge emotional swell. But those times when I am able to stop beforehand and contemplate what I'm really about to receive, I can become overwhelmed with emotion to the point of weeping with joy for the amazing gift received. Jesus is literally sharing his body with me!
Steven HumbletPosted on 1/01/24
The opening quote:
" Encountering Jesus in the Eucharist should be like touching Heaven, and that should change the way we live here on earth!"
If that isnt a current feeling it makes for an excellent goal.