Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

Has your faith grown during the National Eucharistic Revival over the past couple of years? Were you part of the Eucharistic Congress in Springfield last October? Were you one of the hundreds who lined up to share in the sacrament of confession that day? Did Sister Karolyn Nunes, FSGM, or Dr. Scott Hahn inspire you with their talks? Did you “take a chance” on Eucharistic adoration for the first time at your church? If you’ve prayed before our Lord in adoration in the past, did you increase your time before Him in prayer? Did you hear the Lord’s voice speaking to you through the silence in the depths of your heart?

Did you join the National Eucharistic Procession as Jesus came to us in seven cities in our diocese? Were you inspired by witness talks from the National Eucharistic Procession team at potlucks such as at Sacred Heart Parish in Effingham? Did you attend the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis this past week?

Whether you participated in these experiences or not and even though they are over, what should you be doing next to keep this increased love of Christ in your heart growing?

As an inquirer into the Catholic faith as a convert, I know it was a desire to share in the Eucharist that led me to the Church. I believed Christ’s words when He said, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you” (John 6:53). I had full belief in the Real Presence of Christ, but it was only a few years ago that I realized I didn’t really “fall in love” with the Eucharist until I went to seminary and spent hours alone in chapel with Jesus present.

My youngest brother had died 10 days before I entered seminary, and I was still early stages of grief. It was there that I began to understand being united with Christ means we are united to all those who belong to Him. This brought me healing through His presence.

One way to continue furthering your relationship is by intentionally choosing quality time with Him present. This may include participating in adoration/exposition and processions at your parish; arriving early for quiet time; spending time after Mass thanking Jesus; making visits throughout week; acknowledging His presence with reverence; setting aside time for prayer, reading, and meditation.

At each Mass's end, we are sent into world to love and serve Lord. We don’t fully complete our reception until we give Jesus received unto others. Matthew 25 teaches us praying for and serving hungry, poor, sick means serving Christ Himself.

Keep zeal alive by giving yourself just as Christ gave Himself. Through prayers, works, sufferings (offer them up!), live "through Him" so others come know Jesus better too.

Father John Titus is pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish Mattoon and St. Columcille Sullivan.

___