Since the earliest days of the Church, Christ’s followers have lived lives that were strengthened, renewed, and entirely shaped by the Eucharist. Throughout the Gospels, we follow the disciples as they encounter Christ and are transformed. They form their identity in his love, are filled with grace, and resolve to dedicate their lives to him. Then, in the Book of Acts, we see those same disciples allow that love to overflow into action, making their lives an offering in reflection of Jesus’ love—even unto death.

 

As Pope Francis said to organizers of the National Eucharistic Congress in 2023, “the Eucharist is God’s response to the deepest hunger of the human heart, the hunger for authentic life, for in the Eucharist Christ himself is truly in our midst, to nourish, console, and sustain us on our journey.” 

The Eucharist is a call to action. As we come to know Jesus and realize our identity in him, his self-offering flows through us in love to those that we encounter. We become more and more what we receive: radical self gift.

 

Ask yourself: