The Second Vatican Council has taught us that the Eucharistic Sacrifice, that is, the Mass, is the “fount and apex of the whole Christian life.” (Lumen Gentium 11). The English version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) translates that same phrase by saying the Eucharistic Sacrifice is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” (CCC 1324).

 

Both versions point to the uniqueness of the Eucharist in the belief and practice of the Catholic faith. It is the True Presence of Jesus Christ, in the world and in our lives. To participate in the Mass is to be joined to the sacrifice of Jesus on Good Friday. To pray before the Eucharist, in exposed adoration or in the tabernacle, is to be in the special presence of God Himself in a way that goes beyond God’s presence every day and everywhere. To receive holy Communion is to be joined through a physical manifestation to the eternity and infinity of God, a reality and presence beyond our imagining.

 

Because the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, our Catholic faith and practice are incomplete without it. Consequently, as the fount and apex, all the other sacraments, properly understood, point to and are oriented toward the Eucharist. Likewise, in our charity, in our thoughts and in our everyday activities, the love of God in the Eucharist should be always present, guiding our choices and attitudes.

 

Our lifespan on this earth is a preparation to meet Christ. We seek to be worthy of Him who is contained in the Eucharist that we may be judged favorably at the end of life and welcomed into the Kingdom for which we were made.

 

This overwhelming reality should be constantly in our thoughts and prayers. And it should arouse in every person a profound sense of humility and even unworthiness of such a gift. Still, because it is a gift of love from God, we can be confident in approaching Him when we are rightly disposed.

 

The Church helps us to be reminded of our encounter with God in the Eucharist and that call to humility. Consider for example the brief dialogue between the priest and the faithful at Mass just before the offering of holy Communion.

 

At that moment the priest raises up once again the host, the Body of Christ, for all to see. He then repeats the words of John the Baptist who pointed out the hidden Jesus to the people, “Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who takes away the sins of the world.” (Jn 1:29). Just before holy Communion we are reminded of whom and what we are approaching.

 

The response at Mass is to repeat the words of the centurion recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. That soldier has pleaded with Jesus to cure his beloved servant who is paralyzed and suffering terribly. When Jesus says he will come to the centurion’s house, grace brings out in the man a profound sense of humility and unworthiness before the Lord. “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” (cf. Mt. 8:8).

 

To receive the Lord by eating His body and drinking His blood in the Eucharist is a most intimate form of having Jesus “under my roof.” In view of original sin, our past sins and our insufficient love before God every one of us is not worthy that He should enter under our roof. Still, like the centurion, we trust and seek the Lord’s help and His presence. And He comes to us.

 

Try to focus on that brief dialogue before holy Communion at Mass next Sunday. Join John the Baptist. Join the centurion. We adore the Lord and welcome Him in the Eucharist, the source and summit of the Christian life.