The Nourishment of the Eucharist: Why We Gather
Introduction:
I found this NEVER HAD IT SUMMED UP LIKE THIS BEFORE content on my Facebook news feed. I copied it from the Book of Revelation Facebook group so that I could spread it to Catholics throughout the world because I think it is important and I want to help the author get the word out.
Here is the letter:
Why go to Church?
I think this is fantastic, I just love the guy’s answer, and the interpretation for the word BIBLE. Enjoy and pass it on.
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday.
He wrote: “I’ve gone for 30 years now, and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons, but for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. So, I think I’m wasting my time, the preachers and priests are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all”.
This started a real controversy in the “Letters to the Editor” column.
Much to the delight of the editor, it went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
“I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals.
But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.
Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!”
When you are DOWN to nothing, God is UP to something!
Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible & receives the impossible!
Thank God for our physical and our spiritual nourishment!
IF YOU CANNOT SEE GOD IN ALL, YOU CANNOT SEE GOD AT ALL !
B I. B L. E. simply means: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth!
When you are about to forward this to others, the devil will discourage you.
So go on! Forward this to people who are DEAR to you and TRUST GOD. HALLELUJAH, Jesus loves you and l love you too For daily prayers, God’s word and encouragement welcome everyone to add Pastor Alfred Nizeyimana Clfuganda as Facebook friends and as a brother in Christ service as we continue with His great commission. It’s all about Jesus.
The letter to the editor about church attendance resonated deeply with many, and the analogy of meals and spiritual nourishment is a powerful one.
While the letter may have originated from a Protestant perspective, its core message – the importance of consistent spiritual feeding – holds profound truth for Catholics as well.
Transition to the Catholic Context
For Catholics, the primary source of spiritual nourishment is the Eucharist, the Holy Mass. Just as we need physical food to sustain our bodies, we need the spiritual nourishment of the Eucharist to sustain our souls.
The Significance of the Eucharist
In the Eucharist, we encounter Christ truly, really, and substantially present. We receive His Body and Blood, soul and divinity. This encounter transforms us, strengthens our faith, and fortifies us for the challenges of daily life.
The Mass is more than just a meal; it is a participation in the heavenly liturgy. We join with the angels and saints in offering praise and worship to God.
The community aspect of the Mass is also crucial. We gather as the Body of Christ, supporting one another in faith and love.
The “Wasting Time” Argument:
While we may not always consciously recall every homily, the impact of the Mass is profound and enduring. It shapes our thinking, influences our actions, and deepens our relationship with God.
Just as we may not remember every detail of a delicious meal, we remember its overall effect on our well-being.
Conclusion
Key Points
- The Importance of Spiritual Nourishment: Just as physical food sustains our bodies, regular spiritual nourishment is essential for our souls.
- The Eucharist as the Source of Life: For Catholics, the Eucharist is the primary source of spiritual nourishment, offering a profound encounter with Christ.
- The Mass as a Community Experience: Attending Mass connects us to the Body of Christ and strengthens our faith through communal worship and support.
- The Enduring Impact of the Eucharist: Even if we don’t consciously recall every detail of a Mass, its impact on our lives is profound and enduring.
Concluding Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for the gift of the Eucharist, the source of our spiritual life. Nourish us with your Body and Blood, strengthen our faith, and fill us with your grace. May we always come to you with open hearts and receive the fullness of your love. Amen.
Disclaimer: This blog post is inspired by a letter that originally appeared on a Facebook group. This post and its content are not endorsed by Facebook in any way.