The Eucharist: A Sacred Meal that Sustains the Soul

In today’s world, everything is fast-paced, distracting young people from finding meaning in their lives. Amid all the distractions, conflicting values, and spiritual confusion, the Eucharist remains a source of truth, grace, and spiritual nourishment. The Eucharist, more than just a symbol or a ritual, is the real and living presence of Jesus Christ, as well as the source and summit of the Christian life. For the current generation of young people struggling to find meaning, the Eucharist offers spiritual strength and clarity to face life and the world with a renewed mindset that also helps them live for God and serve Him.

The Eucharist has its origins in the Last Supper Jesus had with His disciples. As is recorded in Matthew 26:26-28, “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

What began as words at a Passover marked the beginning of a significant aspect of Christian life. More than a symbol, the Eucharist is the way Catholics encounter the living Christ every Mass, which happens every Sunday to replenish Catholics’ spiritual needs, which includes the strength that Christ provides to endure daily life.

As mentioned, the Eucharist is both a source of strength and nourishment, especially in a world where secularism is on the rise. According to the Washington Post, almost one-fourth, or 24.2%, of the worldwide population did not identify with any religion in 2020, as opposed to 23.3% in 2010. According to NPR, the pattern of secularism is common in Europe and North America, where many people were raised Christian but no longer claim any religious affiliation.

This whirlwind of secularism today gives the Eucharist a purpose in anchoring the faith of young Catholics, especially those who are vulnerable to secularism and possibly embracing it.

Parishes, Catholic schools, and families have roles in promoting the Eucharist to young people. For parishes, they can hold Eucharistic processions and seminars talking about the importance of receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ at every Mass. For Catholic schools, they can include the Eucharist’s importance in their lectures and activities. As for families, they must go regularly to Mass to encourage their children to live religiously and to understand why the Body and Blood of Christ are important in times like these.

Youth-centered Eucharistic events can also help young Catholics deepen their faith. Holy Hours, which are periods of Eucharistic adoration, have seen growing interest among teenagers and young adults who seek Christ in a noisy world. Additionally, they can also participate in the annual World Youth Day, which can include Eucharistic pilgrimages and processions.

Today’s youth also has a crucial role in keeping the light of Christ alive through the Eucharist. They can educate their children on its importance and why they should participate in it. In turn, their children will also educate their own children, passing on the Eucharist’s importance through generations to stop the spread of secularism.

The Eucharist remains a source of spiritual fulfillment and nourishment in a chaotic and noisy world. When young people participate in it, they are making the world know that they are steadfast in their faith and that they are committed to serving God. (Marl Gionn A. Obedoza | ADDU Intern)