I am reading this book "Be Transformed" with one of my bible study groups and the words that struck me are worth sharing.
Allow these words about Our Eucharistic Lord to transform your heart.
Be Transformed - The Healing Power of the Sacraments by Bob Schuchts
"Jesus "takes us," "breaks us," and "gives us" so that we can participate in his holy self-offering.
First, Jesus takes us and makes us an eternal offering to the Father, with himself. We are reminded that our lives do not belong to us. We were given to the Father in Baptism. Every time we celebrate Holy Communion, we are invited to reaffirm the reality that we are one with Jesus and an integral part of his body, the Church.
After taking us into his hands, Jesus then blesses us. Blessing, as we have already noted, is receiving the presence and grace of God in our lives. When we receive him in Holy Communion, Jesus sanctifies us and makes us holy. We in turn bless him with our praise and thanksgiving (CCC 1078). In the Eucharist, which literally means "great thanksgiving," we become a thanksgiving offering in communion with Jesus. He blesses us so that we can share his presence with others. But first we need to be broken.
Following the blessing, Jesus breaks us. This is the part most of us want to avoid. I can personally testify. The breaking process is not always easy or fun, but neither was the cross for Jesus. Without the breaking of our pride and sufficiency, we cannot have unity or true communion with Jesus or one another.
Finally, after Jesus takes us, blesses us, and breaks us, he gives us as a gift to the Father for the good of others. His abiding presence flowing and through our brokenness becomes a healing remedy to all we encounter. Individually and corporately we become the living Body of Christ, bringing the reality of Jesus' presence to a hungry and lonely world. Taking, blessing, breaking and giving - this is what it means for us to authentically celebrate Holy Communion with Jesus."
Drawing by Erin McAtee
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