Take the Eucharist seriously

Yesterday while at Holy Mass I witnessed something that just should not happen, ever.  During communion everything was going smoothly when suddenly one of the three Fathers who was presiding stops, turns around and stops a woman who had just received communion.  He talked to her for a couple of minutes and she seemed to be arguing with him.  Finally the Father was able to continue passing out communion but it was definitely an awkward scene.

What had happened was that the woman had taken the Eucharist in hand but then started to walk away with it.  Thankfully the Father had noticed this and stopped to tell her she needed to eat the Body of Christ and not be walking with it.  I could not hear what was said but it was obvious she wanted to argue the point.  Finally though, after two or three minutes, she finally ate the Eucharist and Father was able to resume giving out communion.  It was good that there were two other Fathers giving out communion as well so that it could continue without too much interruption.

Still, this should never have happened and is a very serious matter.  Here is the thing: when they say you are taking the Body and Blood of Christ it is not a metaphor, nor is it sort of or maybe or kinda like. Christ is wholly, completely and entirely present in the Eucharist and the wine.  It IS the Body and Blood of Christ.  And not just that but in every bit, every crumb, every drop, He is wholly present.  Christ is not divided by any parts of the Eucharist but is whole in every single part. This is not a subject of debate either.  If you are Catholic, this is what must be understood and believed with your whole heart.

Now you might say that she just didn’t know and this may be true but it illustrates another fact.  Become informed.  You cannot just go to Church on Sunday, go through the motions and expect to be done.  Your relationship with God is just that, a relationship.  It's not something you just do on the surface, when you have time, to fill an obligation.  It’s not something you do with just your head but with your heart also.

With your head, make an effort to learn.  If you don’t already have one, buy the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  Then be curious about your faith, even if you have been going to Holy Mass your entire life because there is always something to learn.

With your heart, take what you have learned and make it a part of your everyday existence.  Take is seriously, not just as a guideline but as your guide.  Take it all to heart.

Submit to God.  All His promises are true and you are never alone.