Every now and then you hear a story about the oppressed faithful, risking their lives, accepting torture, all to celebrate the sacrament of the eucharist. I also recall hearing of one such family that escaped from said religious persecution, and after only three months of living in America, had stopped going to Mass. I remember thinking, Wow, is American culture really that toxic?
I just finished the latest quick read by Matthew Kelly, Beautiful Eucharist, which is a collection of various reflections explaining how Jesus is present in the Eucharist. The reflection that stood out to me the most was titled, “What I learned from a Muslin about the Eucharist” by Peter Kreeft.
I believe Americans’ lukewarm feelings on the Eucharist can be summed up in a one sentence of a conversation between a Catholic named John and a Muslin named Isa. “I don’t think you really do believe that.”
Isa moves on to explain, “If I believed that thing that looks like a little round piece of bread was really Allah himself, I think I would just faint. I would fall at His feet like a dead man.”
Isa makes an excellent point. If we really do believe that, then why aren’t we more elated in receiving the Eucharist. Have most of become complacent, entitled, spoiled?
The main theme of the book centers on the truth in the Eucharist really being the body and blood of Christ and not just as a representation. As I read, I interrogated myself. Do I really believe that? I resolved that yes, I do believe. Then I thought, if truly believe that the Eucharist is as special as it is, then shouldn’t I be striving to receive it as often as possible? Rather, like most Americans, I rationalize excuses in my head. I’m sleep deprived, it’s too hard with young kids, I don’t have time.
Perhaps our relationship with Christ follows suit as our relationship with our partner develops. If we do not make time for each other, if we do not put effort into keeping the spark alive, the flame slowly burns out. Fortunately for us, Jesus will never turn His back on us like a neglected spouse might. Then again, perhaps that’s why we take Him so for granted.
When I look for a model of adoring the Eucharist, I picture my little old grandma, having a minor stroke in her retirement home. She began pleading her friend, not to call an ambulance, not to take her to the hospital, but to drag her to the chapel so she could receive holy communion. Talk about life goals.
I know for myself I can get can stuck on the trivial things. I don’t want to go to church because it is too “people-y.” Perhaps if you are like me, you might dislike the music or complain about ineffective homilies. As Matthew Kelly points out, “Don’t take the trivial and make it important. Get clear about what’s really important, what matters most, and life will be a lot simpler and more joyful.”
So just as you would plan a “date night” with your spouse to keep the magic alive, schedule some time with Christ as well. Afterall, I have never known of any person who prioritized their relationship with God and was left disappointed.