Love in Action

As I was sitting in a lobby, people passed by me heading to rehab.  Various levels of aids, such as wheelchairs, canes and assistants, accompanied those in recovery who were trying to manage the doors to the entrance.

I was listening to a recording of Pope Benedict XVI talking about the Eucharist being a blend of humanity and divinity while observing all of these people coming in and going out. It was very powerful listening to the esoteric words of the Pope while witnessing humanity at its best.

Everyone coming through those doors had people helping them.  Whether it was their driver, or strangers spontaneous jumping into action, the outpouring of care I witnessed in these exchanges, combined with the Pope's words, was quite thought-provoking.

It was as if these interactions brought together exactly what the Pope was talking about in regards to the Eucharist. I hadn't quite thought of the Eucharist in this way.

He said, in part:

"Eucharist as blending one's existence. The most profound content of Christian Eucharistic piety is formulated as a standard of conduct."

I often write about the reality of the Eucharist as the Real Presence of Jesus in the Catholic Mass.  But, what if, by extension, there is a further meaning of eucharist, related to the Pope's words, as I interpreted them by what I was seeing?

What if Jesus' Eucharistic act of love is expressed in our everyday actions--our "standard of conduct"--as our very own existence is elevated by the divinity within us, such as the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ by the Divine in Mass?

In looking at Eucharist in this bonus way, it takes on the fragrance of the first apostles, who did not stay locked in the upper room, but went out, speaking and acting on what they knew to be true.  Through Jesus, they, too, brought together the human and divine, as they gave witness by their words and actions of what the Eucharistic act of love means.

Let us be eucharistic today, expressing the love and sacrifice of Jesus towards each other.  

What do you think?  Maybe it could change the world?

Speaking of changing the world, may God continue to bless our veterans on this special day, a day that did change the lives of so many affected by the storming of the beaches of Normandy.

Janet Cassidy

*If you are making your plans for the upcoming year and would like to book a visit to your church or organization, please contact me at jmctm2@gmail.com to arrange a presentation. 

I look forward to meeting you!

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