The Eucharist and Us!
The Church affirms that, at Mass, Christ changes bread and wine into his body and blood, while the appearances of bread and wine remain. When we receive Holy Communion, we truly receive the body and blood, soul and divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ under the appearance of bread and wine.
At Mass we are in the presence of the same Jesus who was born at Bethlehem, worked miracles, died on the cross, and rose from the grave. We receive Jesus Christ himself. We are united to the God who made the entire universe, who guides creation with mighty power, and who will judge us at the moment of death.
There is nothing on earth greater than being in the presence of Jesus. People will go to great lengths to see famous politicians, to get autographs from celebrities, or attend a concert by a popular singer. But at every Mass, Jesus Christ, the greatest human being is present! He is present, as One who enters our hearts and gives us a personal audience. He wants us to recognize him and to focus our minds and hearts on him.
If all of us who attend Mass see Jesus with eyes of faith, receive him with love, and carry his loving presence into our homes and neighborhoods, workplaces and schools, we will clothe ourselves "with the new self, created according to the likeness of God!"
Learn more about the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. 
Read Pope John Paul II's Encyclical on the Holy Eucharist.
Also see Eucharistic Adoration. |
