jesus, consume me
“Every time, then, you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until He comes!” —1 Corinthians 11:26
When we celebrate the Eucharist at Mass or visit the Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic Adoration, there are notes of discordance:
- we recall that the Eucharist is linked to Jesus being betrayed and handed over (1 Cor 11:23),
- we recall that the Body of Christ is broken (1 Cor 11:24),
- we recall that the Eucharist is a sacrifice. Jesus is the Lamb of God Who was slain (Rv 5:6) and offered as a Victim (Is 53:7), and
- the death of Jesus is proclaimed (1 Cor 11:26).
Reflecting on these painful aspects of the Holy Eucharist, we realize that we are being called, even commanded, to join in that sacrifice. By partaking of the Eucharist, we covenant with Jesus by being joined to His Body. We are called to embrace the cross.
We consume the Body and Blood of Jesus as our Food (Jn 6:55). Then we allow the Lord to consume us (see Heb 12:29). Knowing this, stop and reflect before you receive the Eucharist today. Will you let the Eucharistic Jesus consume you?
Prayer: Jesus, I am all Yours. Consume me and use me as You will.
Promise: “They all ate until they had enough. What they had left, over and above, filled twelve baskets.” —Lk 9:17
Praise: “Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore. O, make us love Thee more and more.”
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on the Eucharist listen to, download or order our AV 1A-3 or V 1A on our website.)
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