What is the reason to be Catholic?
Catechism Meditation:
The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” “The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch.” ―No. 1324
REFLECTION: The Eucharist is our number one reason for being Catholic. We believe the Eucharist is Jesus. We take seriously Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink” (Jn 6:54-55). We follow Jesus’ command at the Last Supper to celebrate the Eucharist: “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me” (Lk 22:19). Jesus’ sacrifice, his self-gift on the cross, continues to be made present in the celebration of the Mass, where through the Eucharist we receive Jesus himself and are brought into union with God and communion with one another.
The term “source and summit” comes from the Second Vatican Council document, Lumen Gentium, which states that “the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life” (LG 11). This means that the Eucharist is the starting point and goal of the Christian journey. It is the foundation from which all grace flows, and it is the ultimate goal to which all believers aspire.
PRAYER. Jesus, my Savior, I unite myself entirely to You in the Holy Eucharist. Guide my thoughts, words, and actions, and keep me always close to Your heart.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“The Eucharist is the heart of the Church, and it should be the heart of our lives.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen