Eucharist

Book Review


“EUCHARIST”
By The Most Reverend Bishop Robert Barron

During these long days of isolation that seem like they will never end, I believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We all need something to look forward to. For us Catholics, it is the time when we can once again gather together in worship around the banquet table and receive the Body and Blood of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

About the Author:
The Most Reverend Bishop Robert Barron born November 19, 1959 is serving as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He is the founder of the Catholic ministerial organization “Word on Fire”, and was the host of the TV series “Catholicism”, an award-winning documentary about the Catholic faith which aired on PBS. Bishop Barron has published numerous books, essays and articles on theology and spirituality. His website, WordOnFire.org reaches millions of people each year.

Book Summary:
The Eucharist as Sacred Meal, as Sacrifice, as Real Presence of Jesus, these are the three main focal points that Bishop Barron follows in his book. He takes us on a journey through Biblical time. With each chapter he makes the connection, from Adam eating the forbidden fruit, Moses with the Passover meal and Jesus at the Last Supper, how sacred meal and sacrifice are intertwined. He begins with the story of “Babette’s Feast” and concludes with “The Emmaus Supper”. With each chapter the author offers inspiring insights into the mystery of Christ’s presence, his true presence in the Eucharist.

Sharing my thoughts:
Okay, so I won’t pretend that this was an easy read. This book took time, and thought and concentration. While reading this at first it felt like I was in a theology class in high school. Why did I choose this book? After all I already know all this, I believe this, so why read this? Well, as I have said before, it really wasn’t up to me. That little voice in my head kept leading me back to this title “Eucharist”. So I listened.

This book wasn’t so much a lesson as it was a subtle reminder to not take for granted this special, precious, sacrificial gift…Jesus Christ, in the Eucharist. His presence is real. He is!

This is a very difficult time for Catholics, especially during this Easter Season. We are in a position, not of our own choosing. We are unable to attend the Mass which is everything to us. The Mass which gives us the opportunity to gather together, to ask for forgiveness from and for each other, to listen to the Word of God, to receive the most precious Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ and to go forth in thanksgiving to share the good news with everyone we meet.

Reading this book brought me back to that connection I miss so much. I, as we all do, have faith in and know that the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior.

The stories gave me an opportunity that I took for granted. That is, to see so much of the Old Testament in the New Testament. In his book, Bishop Barron tells us that God wants nothing more than to have a relationship with each of us, as a Father to their child. Everything God asks of Abraham, Moses and others in the Old Testament, all their sacrifices, lead up to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate sacrifice, His sacrifice which gives us the gift of the Eucharist, which brings us back to our relationship with God our Father.

This book was worth the read.

Wishing you all Easter blessings, love and good health.

  

Gloria Wheeler 
(Glory Bee) 

Until we are able to receive communion at Mass in our church, we can still receive communion in our hearts. Below is a prayer you can say while watching Mass…virtually.

AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You, Amen.


UN ACTO DE COMUNIÓN ESPIRITUAL
Mi amado Jesús, creo que Tú estás presente en el Santísimo Sacramento. Te amo sobre todas las cosas, y deseo recibirte en mi alma. Ya que no puedo, en este momento, recibirte sacramentalmente, ven, al menos, espiritualmente a mi corazón. Te abrazo como si Tú estuvieras ya ahí y me uno a mi mismo completamente a Ti. Nunca me permitas estar separado de Ti. Amén.

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