There are very specific signals for understanding how we are living this, how we experience the Eucharist; signals that tell us if we are living the Eucharist in a good way or not very well. The first indicator is our way of looking at or considering others. In the Eucharist, Christ is always renewing his gift of self, which he made on the Cross. His whole life is an act of total sharing of self out of love; thus, he loved to be with his disciples and with the people whom he had a chance to know. This meant for him sharing in their aspirations, their problems, what stirred their soul and their life. Now we, when participating in Holy Mass, we find ourselves with all sorts of men and women: young people, the elderly, children; poor and well-off; locals and strangers alike; people with their families and people who are alone.... But the Eucharist which I celebrate, does it lead me to truly feel they are all like brothers and sisters?
- Pope Francis, General Audience, February 12, 2014
Doubt was a common experience for the disciples, but they grew in faith and wisdom. People have had doubts about the eucharist. How can this really be Christ’s body and blood? Maybe we create a sense of doubt in others. If we come to celebrate the eucharist but are not transformed by it, could this not raise doubts in others? The eucharist is a gift that transforms us to be more like Christ. Who is Christ for you? We each have our own image, hopefully one that is rooted in the Gospel. It is good for us to reflect. Are we becoming more like Christ? Is our image of Christ becoming a lived expression in our lives? If someone looks at us, do they see Christ?
- Pope Francis, General Audience, February 12, 2014
Doubt was a common experience for the disciples, but they grew in faith and wisdom. People have had doubts about the eucharist. How can this really be Christ’s body and blood? Maybe we create a sense of doubt in others. If we come to celebrate the eucharist but are not transformed by it, could this not raise doubts in others? The eucharist is a gift that transforms us to be more like Christ. Who is Christ for you? We each have our own image, hopefully one that is rooted in the Gospel. It is good for us to reflect. Are we becoming more like Christ? Is our image of Christ becoming a lived expression in our lives? If someone looks at us, do they see Christ?