Eucharist

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Resonating in our hearts to remind us of the joy of the coming season, the supernatural and natural forces of faith and reason dwell within us — as we prepare to celebrate that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14).

Yes, we walk by faith, but we must operate with prudence as well during what can be bustling weeks before us. We ride the tide of Thanksgiving festivities to the shores of Advent, anticipating and preparing for the experience of the Christmas activities. At the same time, we will be trying to keep top of mind that God became one of us — giving us much to be thankful for.

Dare we ask why Jesus blessed us so on that first Christmas and continues to bless us with his real presence yet today? Certainly, it was and remains a pure act of supernatural love surpassing our understanding. To bring us closer to him — body, blood, soul and divinity — in his infinite wisdom he became one of us to lead us to everlasting life. Which is why as Watchmen we approach the new liturgical year — entering the Advent season and celebrating the Christmas Nativity — by lifting our hearts and minds with special prayer devotions, vigils and adoration hours with the Blessed Sacrament. We pray that all families — especially those of our archdiocese — encounter, experience and revive the real presence of Jesus Christ.

Only in the Eucharist is Christ truly, really and substantially present — body, blood, soul and divinity. Yet in simple family and fellowship gatherings he may also be present in his divine person, in his attention, his affection and the gift of his grace. “Where two or three are gathered in my name there I am in their midst” (Mt 18:20).

Take advantage of Jesus being present in these gatherings. Pray together and give thanks to God for so many things he has done. If necessary, ask Jesus for his help to close the gap on some trivial family matters, for example, that made their way into larger ones — causing division. And use his help outside of the home “where two or three are gathered.” Should you call upon him and his name, Jesus said he would be present.

Church Fathers, Christian philosophers and theologians over time have given us various thoughts on how grace builds on and perfects nature, helping us recognize and experience the supernatural and natural forces at play. Divine forces are constantly at play to help us recognize that Jesus is present among us. God’s grace operates within us to move us and experience Christ’s presence in the seven sacraments, in sacred Scripture, in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and in the sacrifice of the Mass. We are more prone to recognize Jesus among us in these predominant modes. Yet, our faith necessitates that we identify and engage in how he is present with us always in various ways throughout our sacramental life of self-gift.

St. Pope Paul VI describes how in various ways Christ is present in his Church in his encyclical on the Eucharist, “Mysterium Fidei,” such as: “He is present in the Church as she performs her works of mercy, not just because whatever good we do to one of His least brethren we do to Christ Himself, but also because Christ is the one who performs these works through the Church and who continually helps men with His divine love. He is present in the Church as she moves along on her pilgrimage with a longing to reach the portals of eternal life, for He is the one who dwells in our hearts through faith, and who instills charity in them through the Holy Spirit whom He gives to us.”

Encounter and experience Jesus as he is present in family gatherings, during daily Advent meditations, through supporting Christmas Giving Tree charities, while engaging in small group fellowship or in serving and visiting the poor, homebound or senior living centers, just to name a few. Engage him in all daily activities. Do the same as a true believer — at the Mass, whether on regular days, memorials, feast days, Christmas Midnight, Easter Vigil, weddings and yes, even funerals. The reality of Jesus’ humanity and divinity becomes really present in the Eucharist. In adoration, gaze upon him, and see him gaze back in the Blessed Sacrament. Eventually others will then want to experience and come to believe in the Real Presence.

Deacon Bird ministers at St. Joseph in Rosemount and All Saints in Lakeville and assists with the archdiocese’s Catholic Watchmen movement. For Watchmen start-up materials contact him at [email protected]. Also, see heroicmen.com for tools supported by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to enrich parish ministry to men.