Lately there has been a lot of talk at this parish concerning how we can bring about renewal. Renewal cannot be fostered through our merits alone because if that be the case it will not stand the test of time. True renewal can only be brought about if we are willing to allow the Lord into our life in order that He may be the one who transforms us. From this encounter we are sent forth as true disciples of the Lord who authentically led others to encounter Christ and His Church on this earth.
If we recall it was God who led the Israelites out of their slavery through the use of Moses. Thankfully they were willing to follow where He had led. At times this procession towards the Promised Land proved to be most difficult for them. Unfortunately some even became lost on their way and turned inwardly due to their lack of trust in God. From their grumbles of being hungry, tired, and afraid mana poured down upon them and they were given food for this journey that they had to undertake.
In the Church we have the most beautiful of gifts found within the Eucharist. To fathom that unto the altar of God we are invited to receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ our Lord as is veiled under the appearances of bread and wine. Transformation should be found here because Christ comes into our life in order to sustain and lead us. Despite this great gift, so many take it for granted and in their mind may even lower it to being mere bread and wine.
If there is to be true renewal in this parish community the answer does not lie in some innovation for the sake of innovation, but rather lies in true devotion to the Eucharist. The early Church had it most difficult and yet from this small group of people spread the fullness of faith throughout the earth. People were not willing to lay down their life for an innovation, but rather for Christ. They received their strength from Christ present in the Eucharist and allowed the Lord to be the one who led them out into the world.
This same Jesus continues to prevail Himself to us in the Eucharist in order that He may be the one who leads us out into the world. Despite this great gift we so often look past what we are being given and allow ourself to be focused upon something else. Thus the church ceases to be a place of silence and prayer because we forget that we are in the presence of the Eucharist. Thus despite the disposition of our soul we come forward to receive communion because everyone else is doing it. Thus we fail to take time to pray before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament for our life is too busy with other functions.
Therefore we should strive to become a Eucharistic people who have been transformed by the gift which is Christ present with us in the Most Holy Eucharist.
