The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church expands upon this statement in detail in article 1324. The word “source” refers to where our Faith comes from, “summit” refers to the highest point. These two words indicate something monumental.
The Catholic Church recognizes the need for a deeper awareness of the Eucharist. The good news is, the Church is doing something about it. Throughout the U.S. and the world, there is currently a Eucharistic revival being celebrated. The purpose of this revival is to bring us back to the most essential and valued aspect of our Faith. This, of course, is the Eucharist. Lent is the perfect opportunity to grow in deeper devotion of this bread from heaven.
Opportunities to grow during lent
Sunday Mass is a time to rejoice each week as we celebrate our Eucharistic Lord in communion not only with our communities but with the worldwide church. Daily Mass is a perpetual invitation to Christ’s flock to believe in and to receive him. Some parishes add extra Mass times during the week to accommodate those who usually cannot attend normal daily Mass times. It is a perfect idea to find out where you may attend a noon mass or evening if available during Lent.
Eucharistic adoration
In addition to daily Mass, making time for Eucharistic adoration more often during lent and beyond is a practice to consider. Eucharistic adoration is when we visit Jesus in the Eucharist. This presence is truly his body, blood, soul, and divinity. Sitting quietly before our Lord in a chapel or church is what it is all about. It is a time of prayer, reflection, but most of all just being with the Lord. Lent offers an invitation for growth. Simply spending time with him is also a time of growth and of devotion.
Spiritual communion prayers
Reading the daily Mass readings each day is an excellent practice when unable to attend daily mass. The spiritual communion prayer is one that can be recited after the readings as a way of uniting oneself to Jesus. There are a variety of prayers which can be said in uniting oneself to the Lord. A simple prayer from the heart may suffice in expressing the longing of the heart. It is a way to give thanks. The spiritual communion prayer is another avenue to acknowledge and cherish Christ’s Eucharistic heart.
Read about eucharistic miracles
Eucharistic miracles have been acknowledged by the Catholic Church and still happen today. Learning about saints who devoted themselves to the Eucharist is interesting and fun. The power of the Eucharist is profoundly real. Blessed Carlo Acutis is best known for documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world and cataloging them on his website. He did this before his death from leukemia in 2006 at the age of fifteen. Be sure to offer prayers for his canonization. His life demonstrated heroic virtue, and he is a beautiful model of love of the holy eucharist.
Preparation for reception of the eucharist
Preparing our hearts, our minds, and our souls to receive Jesus in the Eucharist may be one of the most overlooked aspects of all. Going to confession regularly, following the precepts of the church, and living as an authentic Catholic will help in preparation for receiving him. In addition, dressing properly for Mass in terms of modesty, cleanliness, and properness honors him. This awareness draws us closer to the lord. It is a way to love and serve him.
Lent is indeed the right time to begin the journey of loving our Lord in the greatest of ways. These practices are not just meant for Lent, they are meant to be continued. Most of all, marvel at the fact that god loves us so much. This love led him to give us this eternal gift from heaven. It is a gift that will never end.
Featured Image: Pixabay. Free for commercial use. No attribution required.
