Jesus has remained within the Eucharist for love. . . of you. He has remained, knowing how men would treat him, and how you would treat him. He has remained so that you could eat him, so that you could visit him and tell him what is happening to you; and so that you could talk to him as you pray beside the tabernacle, and as you receive him sacramentally; and so that you could fall in love more and more each day, and make other souls, many souls, follow the same path.
-- St Jose Maria Escriva, The Forge, 887
This quote emphasizes the profound act of love that Jesus demonstrates by remaining present in the Eucharist, despite knowing how humans might treat him. It highlights the intimate connection that Catholics believe they can have with Jesus by receiving Communion, where they can "visit" him, share their struggles, and deepen their love for him, ultimately inspiring others to follow the same path of faith.
Key points:
- The central idea is that Jesus' presence in the Eucharist is purely out of love for humanity, despite the potential for rejection or neglect.
- By remaining in the Eucharist, Jesus allows people to "eat him", meaning to receive him sacramentally, which creates a very personal and intimate connection with him.
- The quote encourages believers to talk to Jesus as they pray near the tabernacle, sharing their thoughts and concerns with him directly.
- Receiving Jesus in the Eucharist is seen as a way to continually deepen one's love for him and be inspired to share that love with others.
The experience of deeper love through the Eucharist can be profoundly transformative for individuals and can serve as a powerful means of evangelization. Here's how this might manifest:
- Personal Transformation: The Eucharist is central to Catholic faith, symbolizing the presence of Jesus Christ. Engaging deeply with the Eucharist can lead to a personal experience of love, peace, and communion with God. This transformation often manifests in increased patience, joy, and love toward others, which naturally attracts people to inquire about the source of such changes.
- Witness through Love: Your experience of love from the Eucharist can shine through your actions and attitudes. This lived testimony can draw others closer to the faith. When people observe genuine love, compassion, and service in your life, they might be curious about the Eucharist's role in this transformation, leading to conversations about faith.
- Invitation to Experience: Sharing your experience might encourage others to participate in Eucharistic adoration or Mass. Here, they can encounter Christ in a way that might resonate with them personally, potentially leading them to a deeper relationship with the Lord.
- Community and Fellowship: The communal aspect of the Eucharist fosters a sense of belonging and unity. By participating in this community, you can invite others to join, where they can experience the love of God through the community's collective worship and service.
- Prayer and Intercession: Your deeper love might also lead you to pray for others, interceding for those who might not yet know Christ. This spiritual work can be a subtle but powerful way of bringing others closer to God.
- Teaching and Dialogue: If you're involved in catechesis or informal discussions, your experience can be a compelling part of teaching about the Eucharist. Explaining how it has deepened your love can make theological concepts more relatable and inspiring.
Remember, your experience is unique, and while it can guide others, each person's journey to faith is personal. Your role might be to simply live out your faith authentically, which in itself can be a beacon for others seeking truth or comfort. If you're looking for ways to articulate or share this experience, consider reflecting on specific moments where you felt God's love through the Eucharist and how that changed your interactions or perceptions of others.
end
No comments:
Post a Comment