Joy of Our Heart
By Elaine Klotz | Parishioner
St. Francis parishioners will share their personal accounts of how the Eucharist has impacted their spiritual journey and life. We know they are not alone. If you wish to share your story for publication in the Bulletin regarding your encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist during Mass or during Eucharistic Adoration please submit your witness to fidel@sfassisi.org. You have the choice to remain anonymous if you prefer.
Like many people (I’m guessing), when we could return to Mass after COVID restrictions, and I was able to receive Jesus again in the Holy Eucharist, I cried with joy on the way back to the pew. Funny how we can take such a treasure for granted when it is freely given (as was Jesus’ suffering and death) and then when it is taken away. I think the Apostles must’ve felt somewhat like that – their master was with them for many months, teaching and preaching, then was taken away. How lost we can quickly become without our Lord!
For much of my life, I assumed the Eucharist would be available to me, and sadly did not contemplate this beautiful gift and the immensity of its meaning. When I was on the WELCOME team for our parish’s first such retreat, the faith sharing on the Eucharist reminded me that Jesus is making himself available to us most completely in the sacrifice of the Mass and most significantly in the Eucharist. We need to bring our whole selves and our contrite hearts to the altar. We will never be truly worthy to receive this tremendous gift, but we in some way can reciprocate by opening our hearts to God, ever working on our relationship with Him, and allowing his physical presence and grace to strengthen us for the challenges ahead and to be His words and works for the world.
One of many things I appreciate about the Catholic Church is that I can go to Mass anywhere in the world, and though I don’t know the language, I know what is happening and can be assured I am receiving the greatest gift of all time and blessing beyond measure. Receiving Communion also reminds me how I am to be “in communion” with my sisters and brothers throughout the world –those in war-torn areas, the lonely and imprisoned, the sick and dying, the lost and those in despair, the starving in body or spirit, those without hope.
Oh Lord, help me to be even a small light in the darkness, and as I pray at each Mass, help me to use the Eucharist to strengthen my body, mind, and Spirit to do your will.
Oh blessed union with my soul, entering the hollowness where my spirit needs your mercy and grace,
Oh divine giver pouring out this precious blessing that my very existence needs to thrive,
Oh daring entrance into my humble being of flesh and failings, of searching and sustenance,
Oh Lord of all and Lord of mine, gently knocking on the walls of my hardened heart,
Oh gentle Redeemer, come to light the path we stumble on in our search for the way forward,
Oh Master of creation, coming into space and time to breathe life into our brokenness,
Oh Bread of Life, feeding our fight against despair and bringing eternal hope to the world.
