Gods Love and the Holy Eucharist

A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS

CCC* Para. 737: The mission of Christ and the Holy Spirit is brought to completion in the Church, which is the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. This joint mission henceforth brings Christ's faithful to share in his communion with the Father in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit prepares men and goes out to them with his grace, in order to draw them to Christ. The Spirit manifests the risen Lord to them, recalls his word to them and opens their minds to the understanding of his Death and Resurrection. He makes present the mystery of Christ, supremely in the Eucharist, in order to reconcile them, to bring them into communion with God, that they may "bear much fruit."

When we prepare to receive the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Holy Communion, we know that God’s Love is always a part of that action on God’s part (as the Giver) and on our part (as the receiver). Para. 737 says this so much better than I can. It is also important what we think as we are receiving Him in Church, at Holy Mass. Sometimes it is difficult to be present in thought to what is happening, we are about to receive Him, Jesus Christ whom we love and adore, and nothing else matters at that moment.

The Holy Spirit was involved with us when we were baptized, when we made our First Holy Communion, and in Church-going and all the Sacraments we received. I also believe He is involved in our thoughts (the good thoughts anyway), and in our development as children and young adults, and so on, and even in maturity, we are never without His help. He is always near and He wishes to be our brother… CCC para. 469: “The Church thus confesses that Jesus is inseparably true God and true man. He is truly the Son of God who, without ceasing to be God and Lord, became a man and our brother:…”

Jesus is our best friend, and we should strive to be His best friend also, by curtailing sin in our lives. It may seem an impossible task, but it really isn’t. If you have the will to eliminate sin in your life, then with the help of Jesus, it can be done. We are all sinners but we can control the severity of our sinful lives. God has so created us that we have a FREE WILL. Use it for good and become His friend and His brother. You won’t regret it.

Peace and all Good,
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
November 16, 2024

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CCC* "Catechism of the Catholic Church" 2nd Ed., (C) 1994 Libreria Editrice, Vatican City, VATICAN