3 Ways You Can Grow Closer to Jesus in the Eucharist
Written by catholicradio on October 14, 2024
The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life”.
The word “eucharist” comes from the Greek word “eucharistia”, which means “thanksgiving”. This word refers to the sacrament that commemorates the Last Supper when bread and wine were first transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus.
Many Christian denominations have a “communion service” or commemorate the Last Supper as part of their worship. However, spiritually this is NOT the same as what occurs at the Catholic Mass.
This is because only the Catholic church has an unbroken lineage of apostolic succession. Only an ordained Catholic priest can offer the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist.
Jesus came into the world as God and Man to save humanity from sin and death. Through the liturgical year, the faithful celebrate the events in salvation history. This isn’t a pious sentimental tradition, but an invitation—continually—to meet and know Jesus.
Here are three ways you can grow closer to Jesus in the Eucharist:
1. Learn about Jesus in the Eucharist as the Real Presence
The Eucharist is not bread, a thing. The Eucharist is Jesus Christ. During transubstantiation, at the hands of a Catholic priest, the offerings of bread and wine are transformed into the person of Jesus in His Body and His Blood.
The substance changes, although the appearance is the same. This is a Mystery, or supernatural truth. Humanity cannot comprehend this, but the faithful believe because it is written in Sacred Scripture, which is the Word of God.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) have answered questions about the Real Presence in a document called, The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist: Basic Questions and Answers, that you may find helpful.
2. Recognize that Jesus is Waiting for You
Jesus is Present in the Tabernacle, During and Outside of Mass
When there are consecrated Hosts that are not distributed during Holy Communion, they are reserved in the tabernacle. Every time you pass a Catholic church or convent, consider making the sign of the cross to acknowledge that Jesus is present there.
Jesus longs to spend time with you and for you to unite yourself with Him. Just as people spend time with friends to know them better and deepen relationships, so Jesus desires that with you!
When the red sanctuary candle is lit on a Catholic church altar, or in a Catholic chapel or oratory, Jesus is present in the tabernacle. Take a few moments to contemplate that Jesus, second Person of the Holy Trinity, has made Himself available to you!
Jesus Waits for You in the Monstrance
Also, check your diocesan website and local parish bulletins to find out when Eucharistic Adoration is offered. It may be monthly, weekly, or some parishes have a Perpetual Adoration chapel where Jesus can be visited day or night.
If you haven’t visited Jesus at Eucharistic Adoration before, know that you will see the Sacred Host (Jesus present) in a gold monstrance. It is proper to genuflect, kneel, or deeply bow with reverence upon entering the place where the monstrance is displayed.
Catholics worship Jesus Who is present in the monstrance. It is an opportunity to gaze upon Christ and allow Christ to gaze upon you. Some people don’t know what to “do” in Adoration. Here are some ideas:
- Sit in silence, contemplating Christ’s Presence to you. Listen for God to speak to your heart and breathe in His peace.
- Read Sacred Scripture or another Catholic spiritual book.
- Journal your prayers or pour out your heart to God to connect with His Healing presence.
- Pray the rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, or other prayers from your heart or a devotional prayer book.
3. Meditate On Who You Consume
“You are what you eat”, the old saying goes. But for Catholics, you become Who you consume.
Fasting and penance were hallmarks of John the Baptist’s ministry to prepare for the Lord. Catholics do the same as they recite penitential prayers and fast before Holy Communion at Mass.
Also, during that fast, the faithful are invited to consider physical hunger and the spiritual nourishment received from the Eucharist.
When you consume Jesus in the Eucharist, He is present in you for about 15 minutes, considering knowledge of biology. After you consume Jesus in the Eucharist, Jesus spiritually inhabits you in a unique way.
If you can, remain in church after Mass to pray in thanksgiving for this Mystery of Jesus living inside you.
Catholic Radio Can Teach You More about Jesus in the Eucharist
If you are looking for media and materials to help you explore God’s love for you in the Eucharist, the Hallow website and app provide prayers.
You can also read Church documents and books to deepen your knowledge.
In addition, the website for the National Eucharistic Revival and Congress 2024 is packed with information and videos to set your heart on fire for Jesus.
Finally, no matter where you are on your journey to the Heart of Jesus, Catholic radio is here for you. You can listen online to one of our five livestreams, find your local station, or download our free app for Apple and Android.
