The Eucharist

Now that we have begun our Lenten journey, we will be thinking about the wonderful gift that our Blessed Lord has given us in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. For us as Christian men and women, this great pledge of the Father’s love stands at the very centre of our spiritual lives. Here is a gift coming to us straight from the Father’s heart of love-here is a pledge to us of His goodwill and grace.

The Holy Communion is a great mystery of love and so it is important for each of us to deepen our understanding of it, and also to discover how we might approach it with greater reverence and anticipation.

The Prayerbook describes the Eucharist in a number of different ways. This helps us to grasp in some small way the tremendous graces that the Lord has placed in this Sacrament. In the Catechism on pg.552 of the Prayerbook, we learn that this Sacrament was given to strengthen and refresh us both in soul and body-not only for this earthly life, but to prepare us for eternal life as well. Every one of us needs this Blessed refreshing that comes from the Heart of our Lord, and it is ours in the Holy Communion as often as we approach the Altar of God.

Life can be difficult and almost overwhelming for all of us at times. We all face times when we feel dry and lifeless, when everything seems confused and we don’t know where to go or what to do! This is when the Sacrament of our Lord’s Body and Blood can bring such peace and refreshment. In the Holy Communion we receive the refreshing of soul and body that gives peace to the broken heart and the troubled mind.

Next week we will look at another aspect of the Holy Communion, but for now may we all seek to be refreshed, renewed, and remade in His Blessed Image through this Most Holy Sacrament!

"For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.” Psalm 36.9