Jan 4 Thu
After the institution of the Eucharist, the Lord commanded: “Do this in remembrance of me.” Two things should be noted here. The first is Jesus’ command that we should use this sacrament; thus, he says: “Do this.” The second is that this sacrament commemorates the Lord’s dying for our sake.
It is a real order: “Do this.” Certainly, Jesus would demand nothing more useful, nothing sweeter, nothing more beneficial, nothing more desirable, nothing more similar to eternal life. We will look at each of these qualities separately.
This sacrament is USEFUL because it grants forgiveness of venial sins, and bestows the fullness of grace on us in this life. Through Christ’s sacrifice, that is, when he offers himself in this sacrament to the Father for our redemption, he does so for our advantage. I consecrate myself for their sakes. Christ, who through the Holy Spirit offered himself up without blemish to God, will cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.
Nor can we have anything SWEETER. For what is sweeter than God showing his infinite sweetness to us? God gives us bread from heaven, not the fruit of human labor, but a bread having all joy, and pleasant to every sense of taste. He revealed his sweetness towards his children, and according to the desire of each recipient, it changed to suit each one’s taste.
He could not have commanded anything more BENEFICIAL, for this sacrament is the fruit of the Cross, the tree of life. Anyone who receives this sacrament with devotion of sincere faith will never taste death. It becomes a tree of life for those who receive it, and blessed is he who clings to it. Whoever feeds on him shall live with him.
Nor could he have commanded anything more DESIRABLE, more lovable, for this sacrament produces love and union. The greatest Love gives Himself as our food. As with the Israelites, “You will know that it was the LORD, when he gives you meat to eat in the evening, and all the bread you want in the morning” (Ex 16:8). This is to say: I have loved you, and you have loved me, I desire so much to be with you, if you wish to receive me, so that you may become my members. There is no more intimate or more natural means for you to be united to me, and I to you.
Nor could he have commanded anything which is more SIMILAR TO ETERNAL LIFE. Eternal life flows from this sacrament because God, the Lord of Heaven and earth, pours himself out, with all sweetness, upon the blessed.
Video: