PART VII – A DAY FOR GATHERING
The Eucharist is not only a particularly intense expression of the reality of the Church’s life, but also in a sense its “founding head”. The Eucharist feeds and forms the Church. “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” (Pope John Paul II, Dies Domini, 32).

WORDS TO LIVE BY
On Sunday at the Eucharist, we pause to savor and live more fully the faith we share. Of course, we do this at every Eucharistic celebration, but none is more vital to us that the one celebrated on Sunday. The whole community gathers on Sunday to remember the resurrection and share in commemorating the Last Supper. This very gathering, this assembly of those who believe, is the Church itself. The Church has always gathered like this, making for us now in our own day and age, a rich connection to every generation before us. Indeed, we believe that the entire community of saints gathers with us, which is why we pause at Mass to recall our beloved dead. Without the Eucharist, how would we be fed? How would our faith be nourished? How would our connection to the community be made stronger? How would we recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread?

FOR REFLECTION
Think now of your own experience of the liturgy! What happens there? What unfolds? Play out in your mind how the liturgy touches you and forms you.

YOUR COMMITMENT
This week, share with someone what you personally most appreciate about the liturgy.
+ Blessings!