In 1965 Pope Paul VI, while the Second Vatican Council was in session, issued the Encyclical Mysterium Fidei, The Mystery of Faith.  It is a wonderful synthesis of the Church's teachings on the Eucharist as Sacrifice and Sacrament.  "The Eucharist is an ineffable gift," Pope Paul said, "which the Church received from Christ her Spouse as a pledge of His immense love."  He cited the teachings of the Second Vatican Council which exhorted Christ's faithful to offer the Eucharist with the priest "as a sacrifice for their own salvation and that of the world, and to find in it spiritual nourishment."  Our bodies cannot survive without food. In like manner, our souls must have the constant life sustaining nourishment of the Bread of Angels.   
   

    The Holy Father also proposed various means of fostering Eucharistic worship, which will prove extremely beneficial to our reflections.  Let us examine a few.

 

DAILY MASS AND COMMUNION
    "It is greatly desired," Pope Paul said, "that the faithful, every day and in great numbers, participate in the Sacrifice of the Mass (and) receive Holy Communion with a pure heart, giving thanks to Christ Our Lord for so great a gift."  He quoted the teachings of his predecessor, Pope Saint Pius X who said: "The desire of Jesus Christ and of the Church that all the faithful receive daily Communion means above all that through the sacramental union with God they may obtain the strength necessary for mastering their passions, for purifying themselves of their daily venial faults and for avoiding the grave sins to which human frailty is exposed."
   

    In every parish there are a handful of people who attend daily Mass.  Others attend during Lent and Advent.  Undoubtedly, daily Mass is the most effective means for growing in love of the Eucharist.  Imagine!  Each day one can stand at the foot of the Cross with Our Blessed Mother, John and Mary Magdalene and participate in the Mass, that great memorial of our Redemption.      In Holy Communion, the Bread of Angels literally becomes "our daily Bread."  Our Blessed Lord said: "Come to Me all you that labor and find life burdensome and I will refresh you.  Take My yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me for I am meek and gentle of heart. You will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29). 
   

    Why not begin the marvelous practice of daily Mass and Communion immediately?  Blessings and graces will flow with the generosity that only Our Divine Lord can provide.  What better way is there to become Christ like than through the Holy Eucharist?

 

DAILY VISITS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
    Pope Paul VI also strongly encouraged daily visits to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.  "In the course of the day the faithful should not omit to visit the Blessed Sacrament, which according to the liturgical laws must be kept in the churches with great reverence in a most honorable location.  Such visits are a proof of gratitude, an expression of love, and an acknowledgment of the Lord's presence." 
   

    An expression of love!  Much is said of Our Lord's love for us, individually.  He Himself pointed this out often.  "There is no greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's friend."  Then Our Lord added those wonderful words, addressed to each of us: "You are my friends" (John 15:12).   
   

    Make no mistake, however!  The Heart of Jesus wants us to love Him in return!  Recall His question to Peter before He conferred the papacy on him. "Simon, Son of John, do you love me?" (John 21:16)  Three times, Our Lord asked him the same question, reflecting His great desire for Peter's love.  He asks us the same haunting question: "Do you love me?"  How can we respond positively if we are too busy to visit Him in the tabernacle? 
   

    Let us make time for visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.  Countless blessings are sure to follow for the Savior will not be outdone in generosity.  We give Him an hour; He returns an eternity.  "I love those who love me; those who seek me eagerly shall find me . . . With me are riches and honor, lasting wealth and justice.  The fruit I give is better than the finest gold, the return I make is better than pure silver" (Proverbs 8:17-19).

 

CLOSE TO YOU, BID ME

    When we visit Our Lord, hidden in the tabernacle, we find peace.  This is especially true in times of distress.  The peace of Christ enters our souls.  "My peace I give you.  I do not give it to you as the world gives peace.  Do not be distressed or fearful" (John 14:27).
   

    As we see the flickering sanctuary light sway in the silence of the sanctuary, we know that we are alone with Jesus.  A spiritual communion takes place as He enters our hearts.  His Presence fills us with a sweetness that replaces the sadness of this jaded world, weary with violence and vice. 
   

    Our Blessed Lord is always pleased to see us.  One can pray: "O Divine Jesus, alone and lonely in so many tabernacles throughout the world, I offer you my poor heart and my imperfect love.  Make every moment of my life, every beat of my heart, an act of love for you. 
   

    "Lord Jesus, You never weary in your constant quest for sinners.  Through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, accept my poor prayers.  I offer them to You through her hands, in reparation for my sins and the sins of others.  Jesus, my Lord and my God, I love you!"
   

    Jesus is the lonely prisoner of love hidden in the tabernacle.  Close to Him in the Most Blessed Sacrament, let us pray the Anima Christi of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor:

 

Soul of Christ, sanctify me;
Body of Christ, save me;
Blood of Christ, inebriate me;
Water from the side of Christ, wash me;
Passion of Christ, strengthen me;
O good Jesus, hear me;
Within your wounds, hide me;
Separated from you, let me never be;
From the evil one, protect me;
At the hour of my death, call me,
And close to you bid me,
That with Your saints,
I may praise You forever and ever.
Amen!