Personal Reflections

What Can You Bring to Jesus in the Eucharist? A Reflection on Reverence

September 29, 2023 | Rose of Sharon | Eucharist, Personal Reflections, Poetry

What Can You Bring to Jesus in the Eucharist?

 

Source and Summit:

The source and summit of the Catholic faith is the Holy Eucharist. Jesus said, “My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” John 6:55-56

At Mass, like the disciples at the Last Supper, we partake in the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

 

Shocking Results:
The Pew Research Center conducted a survey in 2019 regarding the Catholic Eucharist. The findings showed that nearly 70% of self-described Catholics believe that the bread and the wine used in Communion are just symbols–and not Christ’s true body, blood, soul, and divinity.

These results were, of course, concerning to the Church leaders. And in 2022, a National Eucharist Revival was launched to inspire, educate, and unite the faithful into a deeper relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. 

 

Looking Inward:

The results of the Pew study were also shocking to me, especially as a First Eucharist catechist. I started some soul-searching to see if there were some things I needed to work on to deepen my relationship with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. 

 

The Holy Spirit revealed several things to me, and they all seemed to point to one special word.

 

The One Word that Sums it Up:

For me, the one word was reverence. I needed to work on being more reverent. Since I believe that Jesus is truly present in the bread and wine, do my actions show what I believe? Do people see me showing great reverence for our Lord in the Eucharist–or not?

 

The Gift:

It was during this time of discernment that I received a beautiful gift. While attending Mass at a parish I had never been to, I experienced the great gift of reverence. 

 

It was so moving that I felt compelled to write a poem about it.  

 

 

Reverence

 

It has been a long, long time,

that I’ve seen reverence of this kind.

 

The hands moved slow, the words were sung,

the host held high, and bells were rung.

 

The church adored the holy sight,

the stained glass glowed with golden light. 

 

My time did come to meet the King,

I am so poor, what can I bring?

 

I took small steps up towards my God,

and then I bowed and gave a nod. 

 

Within me now, my precious Lord,

sweet inner wonder was outpoured.

 

Strong joy and peace erased all fears,

and I gave the King my gift of tears.

 

 

So, what can you bring to Jesus in the Eucharist?

Mine, that particular Mass, was tears of joy-filled awe. Since then, it has been other things. Such as dressing up, arriving early, fully participating in the Mass, sitting up close to focus better on the altar, and fasting an hour before Mass.

 

What can you bring to Jesus in the Eucharist? Ask Him, and He will let you know. Then we can bring our gifts together to the King.

Who is This Guy And why is my poem dedicated to him?

August 30, 2023 | Rose of Sharon | Peace, Personal Reflections, Poetry

 

Servant of God Luis Maria Martinez, 1881-1956, was a Catholic archbishop of Mexico City who lived through the religious persecution of the Cristero War. He proclaimed a message of faith, hope, and unity. He has been described as kind, intelligent, prudent, and humorous.

Death Looms . . .
Recently, a piece of his writing entered my life at the most appropriate time. My family was immersed in walking with a loved one through his final days on earth when  “Do not be afraid” appeared as the Mediation of the Day for August 13, 2023, in my Magnificat magazine.

Trust = Peace
The meditation reminded me to live one day at a time, trusting in God’s great plan for us. I dedicate the following poem (my poetic version of his meditation) to Archbishop Martinez for his heavenly reminders that brought much peace during a tough time.

This Day
Dedicated to Servant of God Luis Maria Martinez

Let this day come as it may
a gift from God above.
Let this day come as it may
wrapped in the good Lord’s love.

Let this day come as it may
He knows just what we need.
Let this day come as it may,
embrace each flow’r and weed.

Let this day come as it may
consenting to His will
Let this day come as it may
secure that God fulfills.

But if this day you turn away
from God’s most perfect plan.
And if this day you waste away
His providential span,

then today and every day
repent your wayward ways.
And today and every day,
return with hope and pray.

For this day and every day
God seeks you without cease.
Yes, this day and every day
He longs to give you peace.

Postscript:
Archbishop Martinez was not only a scholarly and holy priest but also a writer of spiritual poetry! I hope to learn from his wisdom.