However, I have to admit that the key point to the change in my life was the near-daily attendance of the Mass. Day-by-day, I have been receiving the Eucharist and been strengthened beyond measure, and my spiritual hunger satisfied.
Whilst on the way to Mass today, I thought about the general preconception of those who go for Mass daily.
Come on, let's face it. In our circles (or mine at least), there has been at least one person who attends Mass daily. And that person usually is so full of love and is strong in his/her faith. In fact, a lot of these people often leave others in awe. Their faithfulness, charity and the ability to love beyond all circumstances have stunned people throughout the ages.
Take a look at the Blessed Pope John Paul II. He was shot four times and yet he forgave that person who attempted to murder him. And again, at Mother Teresa. When asked where she got the strength to do what she does, she would refer to the Eucharist.
Take a look at the Blessed Pope John Paul II. He was shot four times and yet he forgave that person who attempted to murder him. And again, at Mother Teresa. When asked where she got the strength to do what she does, she would refer to the Eucharist.
Through the ages, the Eucharist has been the source and summit of the Christian faith, even from its inception in the early Church. Saints, Doctors of the Church and many other influential people have talked about the Eucharist as the source of Love, Hope and Joy, and how it makes us more than what we are.
Take this quote from St. Francis de Sales for example:
"When you have received Him, stir up your heart to do Him homage; speak to Him about your spiritual life, gazing upon Him in your soul where He is present for your happiness; welcome Him as warmly as possible, and behave outwardly in such a way that your actions may give proof to all of His Presence."
In fact, when we look at the Catholic doctrine of the real presence, that Jesus really is present in the Eucharist, in Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity as a whole, we get to see the significance of this.
Ever heard of the term "You are what you eat"?
Bingo. Mystery solved.
Bingo. Mystery solved.
Then I came to one realisation.
"Going for Mass daily doesn't show how spiritually strong we are - it just shows how weak we really are and how much we are in need of Him."
Finally commenting. Sorry, the lazy bug was pretty virulent!
ReplyDeleteI think that the Eucharist also sends out a really powerful message in sharing in this already traumatic economy of ours - especially in retrospect of the 2011 African starvation - that we're all the same people and we constantly need to be reminded of that. It's a tad bit hard to get those who are not so well-off to believe that we truly are the same people so perhaps in light of that, the Eucharist is indeed a strong proponent of unity.
Also, in light of what you said about "You are what you eat" - indeed, the more you healthy food (the body) you eat the healthier you get! :)
In any event, time to revive this blog once again!