Wisdom of the Saints:
“The flesh feeds on the Body and Blood of Christ, that the soul may grow fat on God.” – Tertullian
“If when He lived in this world, He healed the sick by the mere touch of His garments, what doubt is there but that He will perform miracles, since He is so intimately within us, if we have a lively faith; and that He will grant us what we ask of Him, while He is in our house?” – St. Teresa of Avila
“For even though sense suggests this to you, let faith assure you. Judge not the matter from the taste, but be fully assured by faith, without misgiving.” – St. Cyril of Jerusalem
“If I am asked how bread is changed into the Body of Christ, I answer: “The Holy Ghost overshadows the priest and operates in the same manner in the elements which He effected in the womb of the Virgin Mary.” – St. John of Damascus
Relevant Points:
- The Eucharist is not a symbol.
- The Eucharist is the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ.
- God is forever present, in the flesh, to His people.
- Each and every time we go to Mass, Christ invites us to offer our bodies back to Him. “This is my body, given up for you” we hear. What is our response back to our God? Do we offer Him back our bodies for His will and His glory or for our own?
- Eucharist literally means “thanksgiving”. Do we really give thanks for His real presence?
- God did not come down to earth to dwell alone in a golden box, but for us, to worship Him and never be alone.
- The Eucharist is God’s grace within us.
- The Mass is the wedding feast, when we consume Christ, we consummate our sacramental union as the bride (Church) to the groom (Christ).
- You are what you eat.
- The command was “take and eat” not “take and understand.” – C. S. Lewis
Things to remember when discussing this topic:
- We can talk about the Eucharist all we want, but nothing advances the heart toward God like being in His presence directly.
- Eucharistic adoration can sometimes take on the feel of a communal “event” if the teen’s only experience with it is on retreat or at a conference. Encourage the teens to get to adoration often, on their own, away from the group.
- Reconciliation is a necessary step in true Eucharistic devotion. We cannot hear all that God wants to say to us if our ears and soul are clogged with sin.