Today, we gather to reflect upon the profound mystery of the Eucharist, the true presence of Christ in the bread and wine. Our readings invite us to journey deeper into this sacred reality, connecting the nourishment we seek for our souls to the very essence of who Christ is and how He calls us to engage with His holiness.
In the first reading from 1 Kings, we hear the story of the prophet Elijah, who, weary and despondent, retreats into the desert. He prays for death, feeling overwhelmed by the trials of his mission. Yet, in his moment of despair, God sends an angel to touch Elijah and provide him with sustenance. "Get up and eat," the angel insists, for "the journey will be too long for you." Strengthened by this heavenly nourishment, Elijah embarks on a forty-day journey to the mountain of God.
This scene powerfully echoes our experience with the Eucharist. Like Elijah, we sometimes find ourselves wandering, burdened by life's challenges, filled with doubt or fear. In these moments, the Eucharist serves as our sustenance, inviting us to draw near to Christ and be renewed by His presence. Just as the angel fed Elijah to prepare him for the journey ahead, we are called to partake in the body and blood of Christ, which fortifies us for the path of discipleship.
As we move to the second reading from Ephesians, we are reminded of the transformative power of living in love and being imitators of God. The Apostle Paul encourages us to rid ourselves of bitterness, anger, and malice, instead embracing compassion and forgiveness. The Eucharist not only nourishes us spiritually, but also calls us to live out the radical love that Christ exemplified. When we consume the body and blood of Christ, we are invited to become living reflections of His love in the world. This meal we share is not just for our personal sanctification but a call to community, unity, and service.
Finally, the Gospel of John proclaims Jesus as the Bread of Life: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven." The people question Him, struggling to reconcile their understanding of His earthly origins with His divine nature. Yet, Jesus persists in revealing His identity and the gift He offers. "Whoever eats this bread will live forever," He states. Herein lies the core of our faith—the actual presence of Christ in the Eucharist, both mysterious and intimate, quite literally feeding us with His very self.
Saint Francis of Assisi’s eucharistic piety and devotion were significant aspects of his spiritual life and reflect his commitment to the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. First of all, Saint Francis held a deep reverence for the Eucharist, believing it to be the true body and blood of Christ. He emphasized the importance of the Eucharist as a source of grace and nourisher of the soul. His own practices included times of prayer and adoration before the Eucharist, recognizing it as a sacred mystery.
Francis’ approach to the Eucharist was marked by simplicity and humility. He believed that the Eucharist should be accessible to all, stressing the importance of an attitude of love and humility in receiving communion rather than focusing on elaborate rituals or theological debates.
Saint Francis encouraged his followers to live in a way that reflects the values of the Eucharist—sacrifice, service, and love for others. He saw the act of receiving Christ in the Eucharist as a call to serve the least among them, embodying Christ's love in their daily lives.
The Nativity scene, which Francis is credited with popularizing, was also a reflection of his Eucharistic devotion. By creating a tangible representation of the Incarnation, he sought to highlight the mystery of God becoming flesh, which is intimately connected to the mystery of the Eucharist.
Francis and the early Franciscans participated in the liturgical life of the Church with joy and reverence. They encouraged the faithful to engage deeply with the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, viewing it as central to the Christian life.
Overall, Saint Francis of Assisi’s eucharistic devotion was characterized by a deep, personal love for Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist, an encouragement for a humble and sincere approach to receiving communion, and a call to live out the implications of that sacramental encounter in service to others. His legacy continues to inspire Christians to cultivate a profound reverence for the Eucharist.
Amen.
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Today Saint Clare too reminds us of the power of the Eucharist when she held the monstrance in front of the Saracen soldiers storming the convent!