We Are What We Eat

You know the saying: We are what we eat. Okay, this is not an article about low carb, high protein diets. Instead, let’s ponder what this saying brings to mind when we consume the Holy Eucharist.

Do we allow ourselves to be transformed in Jesus Christ when we eat His body and drink His blood? Taking the Lord into our own bodies, we become more like Him if we truly believe. In other words, as we consume our Lord, He consumes us with his loving graces.

Being one with Christ we have a mission in life. “Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient” [2 Timothy 4:2]. To proclaim the word goes beyond what we say; it goes to how we treat ourselves and behave with one another.

A Loving Transformation

Truly, each Eucharistic moment is an invitation. We are invited to renew our commitment to live as Christ lived—with faith, hope, and love. Christ does more than show us the way, the truth, and the life for this saving mission. The Lord does not leave us unchanged.

By partaking in the Eucharistic celebration, we participate in God’s plan of salvation. For this plan, we are meant to grow in holiness, humility, compassion, and forgiveness. The love of Christ extends to every corner of our lives, if we allow it.

Remember, God’s gift of the Holy Eucharist increases His gift of the Holy Spirit within us, according to St. John Paul II. Therefore, if we are what we eat by way of the Holy Eucharist, then we become what we truly reflect by way of the Holy Spirit. If we reflect Christ on a daily basis in our words and deeds, we become Christ-like. We are restored and renewed in the image and likeness of God with a sense of dignity and respect for ourselves and one another.

Satisfy the Hungry Heart

If we find ourselves hungering for something more than what we have in this material world, perhaps it is time to set our sights toward Heaven. For only the Lord can truly satisfy that yearning, that hunger in our hearts. Maybe that is why more people are returning to the Church.

“Whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst,” said Jesus [John 6:35]. And what our Lord does for us restores, replenishes, and renews hope in our world. The Lord enables us to live out our faith with the same love and mercy that He offers each of us. Christ within us helps us to look beyond ourselves to see the needs of others.

Truly, the miracle of the Eucharist continues in every act of love we offer, and every kindness we extend. For what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do for our Lord. Whether it is in lending a helping hand, offering a kind word, or listening to someone who needs to be heard, we become a beacon of hope. “And hope does not disappoint” [Romans 5:5] as Christ remains with us in the Holy Eucharist, nourishing our very being as we face our daily challenges.

With faith, hope, and love, may we carry the Lord’s presence into the ordinary rhythm of our days. Let us be radiant with Christ’s light; to love and serve one another as He loves and serves us. Amen!