GROW IN FAITH 23 – The Eucharist

Jesus Truly Present

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You give Yourself to us.
Open our hearts to believe
and to adore You
in the Eucharist.
Amen.

Part One

More Than a Symbol

At Mass, bread and wine are brought to the altar.

They look ordinary.

But something extraordinary happens.

Jesus said:

“This is my body.”
“This is my blood.”

He did not say,
“This represents my body.”

He did not say,
“This is a reminder.”

He said,
“This is.”

The Church believes what Jesus said.

After the priest speaks the words of Christ,
the bread and wine truly become
the Body and Blood of Jesus.

This mystery is called the Eucharist.

Scripture

“This is my body, which shall be delivered for you.”
(Luke 22:19)

Think and Discuss

Why do you think Jesus chose bread and wine?

Is it easy or difficult to believe that He is truly present?

Why do we kneel during the Eucharistic Prayer?

How should we behave if we believe Jesus is really there?

Allow thoughtful answers.

Part Two

What “Truly Present” Means

Jesus is present in many ways:

In His Word.
In the gathered Church.
In the poor and suffering.

But in the Eucharist,
He is present in a unique and complete way.

After the consecration,

It is no longer ordinary bread.
It is no longer ordinary wine.

Even though it looks the same,
its reality has changed.

This is a mystery.

We cannot see the change with our eyes.

We believe because Jesus said it.

The Eucharist is not something we watch from far away.

It is Someone.

Christ Himself.

Guidance for Adults

Speak with calm conviction.
Children respond to quiet certainty more than complicated explanation.

Part Three

Why This Changes Everything

If Jesus is truly present,

Then the Mass is the most important moment of our week.

Then the church is a sacred place.

Then silence and reverence matter.

When we receive Holy Communion,
we do not receive a symbol.

We receive Christ.

He comes close to us.
He strengthens us.
He unites us to Himself.

The Eucharist nourishes the soul
as food nourishes the body.

That is why we prepare carefully.

That is why we approach with reverence.

That is why we give thanks afterward.

The Eucharist is a gift beyond measure.

Quiet Reflection

Sit quietly for a moment.

Imagine kneeling in a church.

The priest lifts the Host.

Now say quietly:

“My Lord and my God.”

Remain in silence together.

Practise This Week

Choose one:

• Genuflect slowly and attentively when entering church.
• Spend one quiet minute in church before or after Mass.
• Thank Jesus after receiving Communion.
• Read the Last Supper passage at home.

Choose one and keep it steady.

Optional Response

Choose one:

Memory
Repeat slowly:
“This is my body.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.

Action
Bow your head gently.
Say: “Jesus, I believe You are here.”

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
We believe You are truly present
in the Eucharist.
Increase our faith.
Teach us reverence and love.
Keep us close to You
each time we come to Mass.
Amen.