Do This In Memory of Me: Be Broken

By: Laura Catherine Worhacz

Dearest Eucharistic Family,   
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The liturgical seasons come full circle and seem more rapid as I get older. What will You have us do for You, Jesus, as the Lenten Season will be upon us in a few days? Entering the season with Mary is a good start for me—the acknowledgment of her presence in the Eucharist as our mother is real. We need Our Lady to help us receive Jesus with reverence and awe. Mary was the first to be broken with Jesus and given to the world. We need a mother. God, in His Wisdom, knew that we needed maternal care. We are blessed to be held by Mary as we journey through life and another Lenten Season.   

"Make reparation through the Blessed Virgin, begging her heartily at the foot of the Cross. She was offering her son for the world's salvation and offering herself to him. It is there that, for the first time, she is mother of everyone, and their salvation is very dear to her heart. We must offer our Lord the anguish and tears of his mother. It is very easy to offer the Blessed Virgin to our Lord. We must do so, since she is the great mediatrix, becoming one in her."  - Saint Peter Julian Eymard (Letter to the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament)  

What can we do?  

We hear in the Psalms that it is not so much sacrifice but a humble and contrite heart that God desires.  

"For you do not desire sacrifice or I would give it; a burnt offering you would not accept. My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn." (Psalm 51:18-19) 

Where can I give more of my heart to You, Lord?  

The external sacrifices of giving up favorite foods and a disciplined routine are excellent means to keep us obedient. Lenten fasts, sound and holy practices help us have more self-control. They help us to die to ourselves to gift ourselves to others. But the true sacrifice and gift is Jesus' life for us. He gave it freely. Jesus continues to give of Himself as He remains humble and hidden in the Eucharist. His silent presence speaks to the sinner in the depths of our souls. When we find forgiveness of our limitations and love pours out for others in compassion and mercy, life arises in our souls. The concern for us and others takes precedence. As we receive the Blessed Sacrament and carry Jesus to others, perhaps His love in us will be shared. To be broken may be to take on the burden someone holds, for it to be shared. To carry the Cross with another is to identify with suffering. Jesus took on our sins for the forgiveness Our Father has given to us in Christ. May we take on a Lenten practice of giving God His holy will for our mercy and compassion?   ​

“Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love;” (Psalm 51:3) 

“When you love someone, your love is not limited to his times of honor and glory, but partakes of his pains and sorrows. Since you have three adorations daily, set one apart for reparation; it will be the best. You are practicing these two things: adoration and reparation. You are offering yourself and asking grace from the Good Lord, begging his mercy. To have pity on these poor persons is good, but to heal them is better.” - Saint Peter Julian Eymard (Personal notes) 

Laura Catherine Worhacz

Laura Catherine Worhacz is a Lay Associate of the Blessed Sacrament and author of Consecration to Jesus Through Our Lady of The Blessed Sacrament. She is also the Director of Mothers of The Blessed Sacrament. She lives in Trinity, FL with her husband and their two daughters.