The Year of the
Eucharist
The Pope explained that being a part of the Lord’s Supper is not merely a social event, but also, it is a memorial of “the redeeming sacrifice of Christ.” By eating of His body and drinking of His blood, Christians are proclaiming their faith in the promise of salvation. They are proclaiming their faith in the Lord.
The Pope also recognized the Eucharist as a great unifier.
“Christ, ‘the living bread which came down from heaven,’ is the only one who can appease the hunger of human beings of every time and in every corner of the earth,” he said, partially quoting John 6:51, cf. Gospel Acclamation.
As there is only one source for the Eucharist, the Eucharist creates a “unity in Christ among different persons and peoples.” Being a part of this sacred tradition links all Christians together around the world into one family, with one Father.
However, although Christ is the “only one” who can provide sustenance for all humankind, the Pope explains that we are all called to assist the Lord.
“All those who partake of His Banquet with dignity become living instruments of His presence of love, mercy, and peace,” he said.
The Year of the Eucharist is a time for Christians to deepen their prayer lives. All of the faithful are called to integrate the Eucharist more deeply into their lives. The Pope asks that Christians take any opportunity to adorethe Blessed Sacrament. Through adoration, through true involvement with the Eucharist, God’s children throughout the world will be “proclaiming Christ.”
“All those who partake of His Banquet
with dignity become living instruments
of His presence of love, mercy, and peace.”
Pope John Paul II
As we enter the season when many will be receiving their First Communion and
everyone will be celebrating Easter, it is important to remember the true significance
of these events. In the Year of the Eucharist, the faithful are called to witness
the Eucharist as the truest sign of our covenant with Christ. All are called
to rejoice in the holy wonder of His promise.
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"As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Cor 11:26)
On June 10, 2004, Pope John Paul II began his homily with this quote from St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. This was a very fitting quote since the Pope was celebrating the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ on that day. Subsequently, as the Holy See addressed the congregation on the significance of Corpus Christi, he made a powerful announcement. Pope John Paul II named the time from October 2004 – October 2005 as the Year of the Eucharist.
The Year of the Eucharist began on October 10, 2004, with the World Eucharistic Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico, and it will conclude with the next Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, to be held at the Vatican from October 2 to 29, 2005.
In his homily, Pope John Paul II explained the importance of the Eucharist.
“There is a very close relationship between ‘building the Eucharist’ and proclaiming Christ,” the Pope said.
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