“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” (John 6:35)
The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. In this sacrament of thanksgiving to God and communion, we participate in Jesus’ sacrifice and unite ourselves to Him and the rest of the Church in a single body.
At the heart of the Eucharistic celebration are the bread and wine that, by the words of Christ and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, become Christ's Body and Blood. Faithful to the Lord's command the Church continues to do, in his memory and until his glorious return, what he did on the eve of his Passion. (CCC1333) (Luke 22:14-20)
What do you need to know abou the Eucharist?
Christ instituted the Eucharist on Holy Thursday by celebrating the Last Supper with the Apostles. The Church is faithful to the command of the Son of God: "Do this in remembrance of me" (1 Cor 11:24) and has always continued to celebrate the Eucharist, especially on Sunday, the day of Christ's resurrection.
This sacrament is the source and summit of our whole spiritual life, our Christian life and the life of the Church. At the same time, it is the greatest reverence and praise we can give to God when participating in the eucharistic banquet.
The Holy Mass can only be presided over by a priest who acts in persona Christi—in the person of Christ and in the name of the Church. By taking part in the Holy Mass each time, we participate in the sacrifice of Christ which He offered to the Father on the Cross for all humanity.
By participating in the Holy Mass—our lives, our daily worries and joys, our suffering, our praise, our prayers, our work—we unite ourselves to the sacrifice of Christ. He is present in the form of consecrated bread and consecrated wine. By receiving Holy Communion, we unite ourselves with Him and His Church. Holy Communion strengthens our love, cleanses us from venial sins, and protects us from future mortal sins. When we receive Holy Communion, we are filled with the blessing of heaven and the grace that renews our spiritual and vital energy and awakens in us the desire to do good, the desire to attain holiness and eternal life.
How often should I receive Holy Communion?
The Church recommends that one should receive Holy Communion as often as possible (of course, mortal sin is an obstacle). It is possible to receive Christ into one's heart even twice a day, provided that the second time we participate in the entire Holy Mass.
What is Eucharistic fasting?
During the Eucharistic fast, i.e., one hour before receiving Holy Communion, we should not eat or drink (except for medicines and water).
VISITATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Under the Eucharistic species, God Himself is present—the man Jesus Christ. God deserves the highest form of our worship. Therefore, whenever we pass by a church, let us visit the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle (placed in the chapel) and worship our God through a moment of adoration, prayer and reflection. Let us also remember that in the Eucharist "we break the one bread, which is the food of immortality, the medicine that enables us not to die but to live forever in Jesus Christ." (St. Ignatius of Antioch).
Congratulations to the children who celebrated their First Holy Communion this spring. May the peace of God rest on you and the joy of the Lord fill your hearts.