When we receive the Risen Jesus in the Eucharist, we the Church - the Body of Christ, become joined in a way that only receiving the Eucharist can achieve. When we receive Christ in this way, we receive him totally, his body and blood, the complete person of the Risen Jesus. We do not receive a mere symbol of Him, we do not receive the Eucharist only to remember that he is our saviour. The Eucharist is food for our soul, real food. As we believe that Jesus is physically present in the Eucharist then it follows that everyone of us who receive Him are joined as he is in each of us. When I think about this, I come to the realisation that when I look at another person who is in reception of the Eucharist, I ought to see in that person Jesus, whom I feel within me. If I love myself I cannot help but to love that person, and conversely if I love that person I cannot help but to love myself. Through our love for one another we love Jesus, just as through our love for Jesus we love one another. The early Christians had a great belief in the mystical Body of Christ, and tried to live the teachings of LOVE.I remember reading somewhere that one of the earliest pieces of writing by non-Christians, speaking about Christians, said something like: 'Look at those Christians, they seem to love one another so much, you can see their love for one another'.

We are intrinsically bound together through Jesus, let us build up one another, let us give glory to the presence of the Lord in us, let us honour God and let us show everyone how Catholic-Christians are meant to treat one another.

Whether we are ‘conservative, liberal, or middle-of-the- road’ Catholics as some would claim to be, or indeed judge others to be, our perception of the Faith doesn’t change that person whom we actually receive: Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

When we write to one another here on this forum:

Let them know that we are Christians by our love!

Blessed be Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar!

Sara

-- Sara (Sara@yahoo.com), March 19, 2003

Answers

Sorry, didn't actually ask a question with my last post about the Eucharist.......just gave some of my thoughts. I hope that's ok.

-- Sara (Sara@yahoo.com), March 19, 2003.

That's no problem, Sara. Even though the "Post a new message" screen keeps referring to a "question," you are not required to ask one. This forum has a long tradition of threads that are not based on questions -- for example ...
1. Prayer-request threads.
2. Information-only threads.
3. Comment/complaint threads.
4. Humor/joke threads.
5. Meditation/sprituality threads.

Your beautiful new thread fits into category #5, doesn't it?

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), March 19, 2003.

Sara,

That is so beautiful...I hope you don't mind if I "steal" some of your lovely insights on the Most Holy Eucharist.

Pax Christi.

-- Anna <>< (flower@youknow.com), March 20, 2003.

John and Anna,

Thanks for your comments. Yes, John I guess it would fit into #3 :-)

Anna, feel free to 'steal' any of it, I'm just pleased that anyone finds my writing beautiful!

May the peace of Christ be with you

Sara

-- Sara (Sara@yahoo.com), March 20, 2003.

sorry........should have said it does fit into #5!

Sara

-- sara (Sara@yahoo.com), March 20, 2003.