Serving the Body of Christ
“God dwells in our midst, in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar” (St. Maximilian Kolbe).
Editor’s note: In honor of the Eucharistic Revival and in celebration of April, the month of the Holy Eucharist, Catholic Women in Business is publishing a series of articles on the Eucharist this month. This article is the second of four.
The word “Eucharist” comes from the Old French word “eucariste,” based on the ecclesiastical Greek word “eukharistia,” (“thanksgiving”), which comes from the Greek word “eukharistos” (“grateful”)—eu (“well”) + kharizesthai (“offer graciously,” from “kharis,” meaning “grace”).
What a wonderfully appropriate meaning for the central act of our Catholic faith! “Here is my body and blood”—offered graciously by Jesus, and we are thankful indeed.
In the United States, we are in the midst of a Eucharistic Revival, a time to “return to the source and summit of our faith in the celebration of the Eucharist,” according to the official website. This three-year-long movement is meant to unite Catholics across the nation around Christ’s sacrifice at every Mass, on every altar.
Put on Your Oxygen Mask First
I have served the Church in many ways. I’ve been a sacristan and a lector and have helped lead retreats. I’ve been on committees and our parish council for many years. But what I love most is being an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. In this capacity, I serve God and the Church and feed my soul.
After being received into the Church, I am sure I signed up to be an Extraordinary Minister the next day. Although I was nervous, our parish secretary told me, “Never be afraid of the Eucharist—it’s Jesus.” I’ve been so honored and blessed that I can participate in this simple act of service ever since.
Each time we fly on a commercial airline, we are reminded by the flight attendant that in case of emergency, we must first give ourselves oxygen before we attempt to help someone else. As terrifying as this instruction is, it’s logical that we must ensure that we have enough air in our lungs. Without it, we are useless and will eventually die.
In the same way, we must have Christ. We must come to his table as often as we can to be fed by the precious Body and Blood of our Lord. Without this sustenance, our souls will starve and spiritually die.
Less Ourselves, More Him
“I urge you with all the strength of my soul to approach the Eucharistic table as often as possible. Feed on this Bread of the Angels from which you will draw the strength to fight inner struggles” (Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati).
I could stand at the front of the church and distribute the Eucharist for hours if needed. I never tire of it.
Friends, family, parish members, perfect strangers—all coming to partake of Jesus’ precious body and blood.
The Eucharist is experienced through all five senses. We hear the words of the priest during the epiclesis of consecration. The incense wafts up to the ceiling. Our eyes are on the crucifix. Our hands receive the host, and we hold the heavy chalice. We consume the Body and Blood.
As with our senses, the precious body and blood of our savior Jesus Christ permeate every part of our physical and spiritual self. Each time we partake, we become less ourselves and more him.
Amen, I believe.
Cathi Kennedy is passionate about building relationships. At the University of Notre Dame, she advises graduate students for the Mendoza College of Business. Her background is in marketing and communications, and she recently received her MBA. Impassioned writer, voracious reader, aspiring knitter. Married to a musician and mom to two amazing sons. Cathi is a convert to Catholicism and seeks to learn something new about her faith every day. Connect with Cathi: LinkedIn • Instagram • Facebook • Blog