Do This in Memory of Me: Sacrifice

By: Laura Worhacz

"Mary was modest in the world. She eagerly sacrificed her privacy and the sweetness of heavenly contemplation in order to go to her cousin Elizabeth, to congratulate her and render her assistance… she gave heed to the call of charity and withdrew when she was no longer needed."  - Saint Peter Julian (Eymard Library Vol. 7, page 60)
 
Dearest Eucharistic Family,

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light” (Ephesians 5:14). In a recent conversation with a dear loved one regarding the suspension of Mass, I heard the words: “My family is very happy watching the Mass on TV from our family room.” Yes, we know that some people cannot come back to church with compromised immune systems and the like. There are those who can come back to Mass and will choose not to. Perhaps it is a lack of knowledge that the Bread of Life that comes down from HEAVEN to the Altar is the flesh of the Son of God. We who have been given the gift to know Jesus Eucharistic have a responsibility to make Him known and loved. “Watch carefully how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise” (Ephesians 5:16).

We are living through a special time of grace, one that calls for sacrifice, sacrifice to nurture others into the knowledge of the love of God found in the Eucharist. A drum roll may be necessary, a loud trumpet blast, something that will wake the still baptized life into a flame of hope. Only love can do this. Mary accomplished the waking of the Spirit when she greeted her cousin. The child leapt in Elizabeth’s womb at the sacrifice of Mary.
​
Jesus is coming again and there is much to prepare. When we make provisions for a celebration, we make calls, reach out, send invitations, explain the event… To whom more is given still more is expected.  For us, faithful ones of Jesus Christ, Jesus Eucharistic, sacrifice is needed now more than ever to nurture others back into the pews. This time of sacrifice is one for us to learn from one another, a time to love one another. For some a simple response may be, “it is wonderful we have had the opportunity to live-stream and offer a spiritual Communion prayer”, however, receiving Jesus in Holy Communion is for us the greatest gift this side of Heaven. He is the healing of our souls, the life blood of our baptism, the love of our lives. Sharing the love we have for Our Holy Redeemer, our best friend, and the spouse of our soul Christ Jesus, will invite others to His banquet of LOVE. Our Father in Heaven first sacrificed His Son for love of us and Mary shows us this way to Jesus. We follow Christ Jesus and Mary in our sacrificial love for others, we do this in Remembrance of HIM.