It occurred to me that the words of this spiritual song sum up what the Eucharist means to me: 

“I know it was the blood
I know it was the blood
I know it was the blood for me
One day when I was lost
Jesus died upon the cross
I know it was the blood for me” 

Jesus shed his blood, suffered, and died on the cross – for me! I understand this not just as a social act, but as a very personal act done for my salvation. Believing in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist, I am filled with awe, humility, and gratefulness as I approach the altar. The sacrifice and mystery that was instituted at the last supper shows me how much I am loved. 

When I read and learn about the Eucharist from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other sources, I am faced with big words like ‘propitiatory’; I often have to look up the meanings. But the simple yet profound words of the above song speak volumes to me. Another song reminds me that there is power in the blood. Receiving the Eucharist gives me strength to face any challenges. The power of the blood will never be lost. The good news is that the story does not end with death on the cross. Jesus arose and He is coming again. So much love. Thank God for Jesus.

When I go to Mass, a change comes over me. I feel a connection between me, and the Father, and the Son. It is a chance not only for me to witness Jesus going to the Father, but I also experience Jesus coming to me. Both Heaven and Earth make up the fabric of God’s throne. The Eucharist is a privileged part of everything that God is. When you believe, you know; and when you know, you believe. 

When the Eucharist is exposed, I offer myself to Jesus, who is in charge of the Church, just as Jesus offered Himself. I feel united with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

Jesus gives us the gift of the Eucharist. We must accept this gift and let it fill our lives in order for it to change us. God shares the gift and we must receive the gift and share it with others. The Eucharist is a gift of Jesus’ life, and, through it, we receive the best gift of all: salvation! After receiving the Eucharist, I feel that Jesus is with me every step of the way. When I receive the Eucharist, it is as if Jesus is saying, “You are cured.”