The Gift of the Eucharist

Note: Severe back pain forced me to cancel my trip yesterday.  I remain in pain now and will see a neuro-surgeon this morning; hence we're back to slicing up some daily bread until further notice.




We receive Holy Communion so often now, that it can become routine and not receive the attentiveness it deserves. With the singing of the communion hymn and the brevity of the remaining minutes of the Mass, we are out the door without really having had time to spend time in intimate conversation or just "being with" Jesus. People even start talking in Church before waiting to be outside, so even more "post-communion" time with Jesus is lost.  Perhaps we can better prepare for Mass by arriving a few minutes early and take time to remind ourselves what we are about to be doing.  Or we could shut off the radio in the car and do some preparation while we are driving.  Remaining in our pew for a few extra minutes after Mass might be a sign to the "talkers" that we need more time with Jesus.  It has been said that it takes 10-15 minutes for the host to be absorbed in our systems, so we have plenty of time to acknowledge the gift of the Eucharist, thank God for it, and ask Jesus for the grace to live in harmony with him and with our families and all who come into our lives after Mass.  The Eucharist is the nourishment of our souls, and the door to eternal life, it deserves our fullest attention and follow-up.!
Bro. Rene