Can you help me understand "Real Presence"?

[simplyrose]

Hello! I am currently in RCIA (as a previously baptized Episcopal that never really “lived” it) and have really been enjoying everything I am learning about the Catholic faith. Actually, over the last few weeks, I’ve been reading everything I can get my hands on and really examining history, doctrine, liturgy, etc, in order to deepen my understanding. I also attend Mass every Sunday and am also attending my first Vigil Mass tonight to honor the Immaculate Conception of Mary. I am looking forward to full Communion with the Church…everything about it feels so right to me; I enjoy the solemn and reverential atmosphere of worship, the deep history, the academics, the Sacraments…everything! Excuse my gushing…but I really am “excited” (for lack of a better word).

However, I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist during Holy Communion. I’ve read a lot about it and understand that it is truly a Mystery of faith. I understand and can accept that (the mystery part). But can anyone help me understand the Real Presence? Give an analogy? Sort of “dumb it down” for me? I ask not to question the reality of the Real Presence but only to gain a better/deeper/clearer understanding of this important Sacrament.

Thank you!

 

[runningdude]

Well, the thing about the Catholic liturgy is that we Catholics literally worship the Eucharist. During mass, we direct our prayers directly to the consecrated bread and wine.

Now, this sounds potentially blasphemous right? Worshiping bread and wine? NO!

When the Priest says the words “Take this all of you and eat… for this is my Body”, and “take this all of you and drink for this is the Chalice of my Blood” during mass, the bread and wine in the Eucharist are wholly transformed into exactly what Christ says: His Body and Blood!

During mass, we Catholics worship the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The fact that He is appearing in the form of a piece of bread and cup of wine is a no consequence - He is God!

God the Son already took the bizarre step of becoming incarnate as a man. Its only slightly odder that he remains truly present in while taking on the appearance of bread and wine.

 

[jimrob]

What Christians believe (and claim that others believe) about the Eucharist has been the cause of much bloodshed in the past. In the 1980s, the Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran Communions agreed a statement on the Real Presence. That means that although the physical and chemical properties of the bread and wine do not change, following consecration the person of Jesus Christ, body blood soul and divinity, becomes actually present in the Sacred Elements. The position of the Catholic Church is the same as that of the Episcopal Churches. Where we differ is in reserving the Blessed Sacrament (keeping the left-over hosts) and adoring the Blessed Sacrament.

The mystery is in how or why this happens. We don’t know. We just trust Jesus’s word for it.

 

[YoungTradCath]

Jesus Christ celebrated the first mass, what we call the Last Supper. He said, “Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my Body” and so the Apostles did. He said, “Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the Chalice of my blood,” and so the Apostles did. He also said, “Do this in memory of me.” That is the key. Do this in memory of me. Not do something like this that symbolizes it, but do this, literally. He gave His Body and Blood to the Apostles in what came to be known as the first mass, and combined with Him having made them His first priests, He gave them the ability to “confect”–that is, bring about–His Body and Blood from bread and wine.

There is a whole theological concept on just how the bread and wine changes into the Body and Blood of Christ. It is a very hazy concept called transubstantiation. You can read the Wiki article here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transubstantiation which is quite good.

Also read this article if you would like: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist_%28Catholic_Church%29

 

[YoungTradCath]

What Christians believe (and claim that others believe) about the Eucharist has been the cause of much bloodshed in the past. In the 1980s, the Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran Communions agreed a statement on the Real Presence. That means that although the physical and chemical properties of the bread and wine do not change, following consecration the person of Jesus Christ, body blood soul and divinity, becomes actually present in the Sacred Elements. The position of the Catholic Church is the same as that of the Episcopal Churches. Where we differ is in reserving the Blessed Sacrament (keeping the left-over hosts) and adoring the Blessed Sacrament.

The mystery is in how or why this happens. We don’t know. We just trust Jesus’s word for it.

And also our priest’s ability to actually consecrate.

 

[Verbum_Caro]

simplyrose,

That is great news! I know what you mean about the excitement of it all.

Perhaps you can share more regarding what exactly about the Real Presence you are pondering, and we can see if we can help out?

VC

 

[martininthefiel]

What Christians believe (and claim that others believe) about the Eucharist has been the cause of much bloodshed in the past. In the 1980s, the Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran Communions agreed a statement on the Real Presence. That means that although the physical and chemical properties of the bread and wine do not change, following consecration the person of Jesus Christ, body blood soul and divinity, becomes actually present in the Sacred Elements. The position of the Catholic Church is the same as that of the Episcopal Churches. Where we differ is in reserving the Blessed Sacrament (keeping the left-over hosts) and adoring the Blessed Sacrament.

The mystery is in how or why this happens. We don’t know. We just trust Jesus’s word for it.

Are you saying that the Episcopal Church does not reserve the Sacrament?

If that’s what you mean, you are mistaken. I used to be an Episcopalian. I have yet to see an Episcopal Church that did not, either in the sanctuary, or a Lady chapel. Several parishes I used to attend regularly had Veneration of the Holy Sacrament (Benediction) as one of their rites, although this is not usual.

 

[Theophorus]

I guess you don’t mean from a theological perspective but rather how does the Real Presence work?

What might help is the philosophical concept of substance and accident (not mistakes).

For instance a table is a table in its ‘substance’ i.e. its ‘tableness’(that which makes it a table) it might be made of wood, metal, or any other material, and can come in any size but you recognise it as ‘the kind of thing that a table is’, if I can put it like that.

Its ‘Accidents’ (its non-essential outward appearance) is the fact it is made of wood, or metal etc. etc.

So my dining room table has both accidental matter (the wood) and substance (the ‘tableness’ that which makes it a table)

In a similar, but not identical way (it is a mystery after all) the bread at Mass becomes the body of Christ in its Substance (its ‘Body of Christness’ for want of a better phrase) while the accidents (the outward appearance of bread) remains the same. That is why outwardly we see still see the bread but it is really the body of Christ. Hope that is of use.

God Bless

 

[TimothyH]

Hello! I am currently in RCIA (as a previously baptized Episcopal that never really “lived” it) and have really been enjoying everything I am learning about the Catholic faith. Actually, over the last few weeks, I’ve been reading everything I can get my hands on and really examining history, doctrine, liturgy, etc, in order to deepen my understanding. I also attend Mass every Sunday and am also attending my first Vigil Mass tonight to honor the Immaculate Conception of Mary. I am looking forward to full Communion with the Church…everything about it feels so right to me; I enjoy the solemn and reverential atmosphere of worship, the deep history, the academics, the Sacraments…everything! Excuse my gushing…but I really am “excited” (for lack of a better word).

However, I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist during Holy Communion. I’ve read a lot about it and understand that it is truly a Mystery of faith. I understand and can accept that (the mystery part). But can anyone help me understand the Real Presence? Give an analogy? Sort of “dumb it down” for me? I ask not to question the reality of the Real Presence but only to gain a better/deeper/clearer understanding of this important Sacrament.

Thank you!

A good understanding of what Christ was doing when he said, “This is my body” and “This is the cup of my blood” and his real presence in the Eucharist can only achieved when one understands the Jewish background of it all.

There is the “Bread of the Presence” or “Showbread” in the Bible. Jesus feeds the multitides with only a few loaves of bread. We have to look at the history of the passover, how it was celebrated in the context of the Exodus and what it meant to Jews, and then compare and contrast it to how Jesus celebrated the passover on that night. Even the disciples who rub the heads of grain together on the sabbath play into it. There are some obscure passages like when 70 enders went up to Mt. Sinai… “They beheld God, and they ate and drank.” (cf Exodus 24:11). All of this gives a complete story.

All of this is explained extremely well in Brant Pitre’s book titled “Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist.” I think this is one book that every single Catholic should read.

-Tim-

 

[kykid]

simplyrose,

What an exciting time for you now. It brings to mind my own entrance into communion with the Church 20 years ago this past Easter. I still get chills when I reflect on it.

Concerning the Eucharist, the “real presence” occurs when the priest repeats the words of Christ given at the last supper concerning his body and blood. The bread and wine instantly become the body and blood of Christ, and all who are in good standing with the Church are invited to partake in communion.

Speaking for myself only, I can attest to the fact that I feel Christ’s presence when I partake in the Eucharist. This is not some abstract feeling that I have, but is in fact, the actual presence of Christ within me. And oh what a feeling it is.

I also get this feeling when attending the weekly Eucharistic Adoration held in my church. When troubled, I bring it to Christ here, and he takes whatever it is away, leaving me the peace of knowing that I am loved by God, and that nothing can take that love away or remove me from that love.

Congratulations, and peace be with you.

 

[simplyrose]

Thanks for your responses! This might just have to be something I accept “on faith” as a great and beautiful mystery. It really is a bit hard to explain, isn’t it? The table analogy helped a bit, especially after I read about substance theory.

I also read those Wiki articles that YoungTradCath recommended…I think they were a bit over my head! After I read the first, I had to read about the differences between transubstantiation (something becoming something else), sacramental union (where two different things are united by sacrament), consubstantiation (where two things are present alongside one another) and even transignification…at which point my eyes began to cross.

Part of my difficulty arises from old Protestant thoughts (oh my gosh, the Catholics are eating Jesus) and my daily, close association with human bodies (I am an ER nurse) which makes just about everything to do with flesh and blood kind of…icky and distasteful. Also as a result of my career, I tend to rely heavily on science and proof. That said, in the course of my work as a nurse, I’ve seen many miraculous and mysterious things…events that defy science or anything that could be “proven”.

I finally turned to the Bible and a Catholic friend. Paul had quite a lot to say about the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. My Catholic friend gave me such a sweet and simple answer; it nearly brought me to tears. She said (I paraphrase):

"Think about the word communion. Communion is when you share and exchange with someone else; you commune. It’s intimate and special and involves the presence of another. So Jesus, the night before he died, sought to commune with his people…and lay the framework of continued communion for Christians to come. He never wanted them to feel alone. What better way than to show them how to draw him close, even when he might not be physically present. He gave his disciples bread and wine and said, “Take this and eat, for this is my Body” and “Take this and drink, for this is my Blood”. He also asked them to “do this is memory of Me”. This is something serious and sacred, it is Holy. So every time we meet for Mass, we recall Christ’s command and sacrifice. The Priest uses Christ’s words to consecrate the bread and wine and, like for His disciples, although we see and taste bread and wine, we understand that it is His Body and Blood. We humbly commune with God, his real and Holy presence is with us in the Eucharist. It sounds miraculous, but Jesus was known for his miracles. Every time we celebrate this Sacrament and partake of His real Body and Blood, he literally becomes a part of us.

What do you think? This made sense to me. I couldn’t figure out why Jesus would want his people to “eat him” (excuse me if that sounds irreverent) but when she put it this way, as a miracle, I find it easier to accept and understand. It was a miracle then and it is one now. By accepting that He is really present, you have Him to “commune” with. You are part of Him, and He of you. It is truly drawing near to Christ.

Does my understanding “work”? I would hate to have it wrong!

Thanks again for the time to answer my questions. Your advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[Verbum_Caro]

simplyrose,

I think it “works”.

The Eucharist is such a deep mystery. For me, there has yet to come a point where I say to myself “aha, I get it now, I don’t need to think about this anymore”. It is a process of learning and growing in understanding of it. It deepens as your life goes on. It’s a relationship, after all.

As has been said above, the Eucharist is a mystery. But, we should note, it isn’t a muddle. It doesn’t offend reason (or science). It can be made sense of. The depths of the mystery can’t be plumbed, but we can still have light on it.

I’ve some suggestions for you for further consideration:

1. You can think about what it means to eat. How we assimilate the life of other living things into our own life. You know that old saying “You are what you eat?” Recall that we want to be incorporated into the Body of Christ.
2. You can think about Christ as the great problem solver. For instance, one problem was that humans offended God and had to make reparation, but being human, had nothing in their own power to offer God. The solution was Christ – God became man, and as a man offered reparation, but as God had something worth offering. Here we deal with another problem. How could Christ be present to us, and in Heaven? And how could He be present to many in different places, at different times and at the same time? His solution was the Eucharist.
3. Along the line of number 2 above, there are various analogies that have been proposed that might help you start to wrap your head around it. (You asked for an analogy in your first post, I believe). Here is one that I’ve been thinking of recently. Imagine the Eucharist like water droplets scattered on a spider’s web in front of a tree. In each droplet, if you look close, you see the image of the tree. The drops are all in different places. If you move droplet, you move the image of the tree, even though the tree doesn’t move. If you are able to break a droplet in two, both (now smaller) halves of the droplet have the same full image of the tree. Nothing you do to the drop can “hurt” or “harm” the tree. Of course, in the Eucharist we aren’t dealing with just an image of Christ. His being itself is communicated through the Eucharist. But, like in the analogy of the droplets, when our teeth break the consecrated host, they don’t break Christ.

Hope that helps. It might not. If any of it doesn’t work for you, just keep asking and reading and praying.

Have you been to Eucharistic adoration by any chance? If not, I very much encourage you to look into it.

Welcome the forum!
VC

 

[simplyrose]

Christ, the problem solver! I love that! Makes “sense”. Our church does offer Eucharistic Adoration. I’ve thought about it, but wondered if I would “count” as an adorer since I am not yet technically Catholic. Will anyone think it’s weird that the “new girl” wants to go? I know that’s not what I should worry about, but, being new…I want to make sure I don’t do/say the wrong thing.

 

[Verbum_Caro]

No, I can’t imagine anyone would think it would be weird. My bet is that they would be excited for you and assist you in any way possible.

I think you would be very welcome to be there.

Did you know that sometimes the Eucharist is taken out of the tabernacle and held aloft in procession? Catholics would walk down the street, and everyone, Catholic or not (even the beasts of the field!) would have a chance to adore Christ. This used to be more common, but it is still done quite often.

VC

 

[choliks]

Christ, the problem solver! I love that! Makes “sense”. Our church does offer Eucharistic Adoration. I’ve thought about it, but wondered if I would “count” as an adorer since I am not yet technically Catholic. Will anyone think it’s weird that the “new girl” wants to go? I know that’s not what I should worry about, but, being new…I want to make sure I don’t do/say the wrong thing.

Don’t worry about that. You can do the adoration in silence even if you’re not a Catholic yet, technically.

 

[Monica4316]

Hello! I am currently in RCIA (as a previously baptized Episcopal that never really “lived” it) and have really been enjoying everything I am learning about the Catholic faith. Actually, over the last few weeks, I’ve been reading everything I can get my hands on and really examining history, doctrine, liturgy, etc, in order to deepen my understanding. I also attend Mass every Sunday and am also attending my first Vigil Mass tonight to honor the Immaculate Conception of Mary. I am looking forward to full Communion with the Church…everything about it feels so right to me; I enjoy the solemn and reverential atmosphere of worship, the deep history, the academics, the Sacraments…everything! Excuse my gushing…but I really am “excited” (for lack of a better word).

However, I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist during Holy Communion. I’ve read a lot about it and understand that it is truly a Mystery of faith. I understand and can accept that (the mystery part). But can anyone help me understand the Real Presence? Give an analogy? Sort of “dumb it down” for me? I ask not to question the reality of the Real Presence but only to gain a better/deeper/clearer understanding of this important Sacrament.

Thank you!

Hi, welcome

well the way it was explained to me is… the Eucharist looks like bread and wine before the Consecration, and is bread and wine. After the Consecration, the Holy Spirit changes it so - it still looks like bread and wine (and tastes like it, etc), but it is not those things any longer… it is literally Christ. The way I typically look at it is: Christ is everywhere spiritually, but His Body is not everywhere in the literal way… His Body is in Heaven, and in the Eucharist. Indeed it’s a mystery. But it’s like if you lived 2000 years ago, and could go visit Jesus face to face. That’s what it’s like to visit Jesus in the Eucharist, in church. (and then to receive Him, when you can ).

Jesus is present in the Eucharist in His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity… because His nature can’t be separated. It’s His risen Body.

He is present literally, substantially, sacramentally… the substance of the Host (what it is) changes, but the accidents (what it looks like) do not. So if you were to look at the Host under a microscope, you would see bread. But through a miracle, it’s not bread. This is based on the idea that every object has a substance (what is is) and accidents (external visible characteristics).Transubstantiation, which is how we describe this miracle, literally means: change in substance.

Sometimes, a miracle occurs and the “accidents” change too… but of course that doesn’t happen most of the time, because then we wouldn’t have faith, and also we wouldn’t be able to receive the Eucharist this easily Here’s a story of a Eucharistic miracle… it was examined scientifically. youtube.com/watch?v=qbg_dhI4XCs

God bless!

 

[Monica4316]

Here’s an excerpt from the book “Imitation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus”… I think this book was written by a Jesuit priest.

CHAPTER I. THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST IS
AN INVENTION OF THE LOVE OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

1. The voice of Jesus.-----I was dead, My Child, and behold I am living for ever more.

I had come forth from the Father, and had come into the world: at last I was leaving the world to return to the Father.

However, the love of My Heart did not allow nor suffer that I should leave them orphans, whom I cherished more than My Own life.

The love of My father called and invited Me, that, coming, I might be glorified with Him, with the glory which I had with Him before the world was created.

The love of men also invited and urged Me on, that, staying among them, I might comfort them amidst all the troubles of life.

And behold! My Heart invented a means of satisfying both My love for My Father, and My Love for men.

A mystery, My Child, that going up into Heaven I may be seated at the right of the Father, and abide with you even to the consummation of the world.

A mystery, which, unless I Myself had drawn it forth from My Heart, no mortal could ever have imagined: a mystery which transcends all created nature: a mystery, in fine, which exceeds all finite power.

There is need, therefore, of stupendous miracles, to be wrought by Divine omnipotence alone. But love triumphs: love, which in My Divine Heart found the design, there also found the power of executing the same.

All things are possible, all things are easy, if I will them in My Heart, Whose Will is power and execution.

1. As men were not able to bear the sight of My glorified Majesty, and the world could not subsist in the effulgence of such a brightness; regard was to be had to their weakness, lest, alarmed at the splendor of My greatness, they might be kept away.

Wherefore, I must needs conceal My dazzling glory, and display naught that might fill them with dread.

Moreover, My Child, since thou hast here no permanent city, but lookest for one to come, it is expedient for thee, that I do abide with thee under another form; lest, forgetting that thou art a pilgrim on earth, thou be willing to make here thy abode, and cling to the things of the present; but that, mindful of thy place of exile, thou mayst aspire to thy country, where thou shalt be able, with face unveiled, to gaze upon My glory.

Lastly, since this life is short, and after it there shall be no longer any time to gain merits, it is good and most useful that I hide My countenance, that thus thou mayst have a greater opportunity of reducing to practice faith, as well as all other virtues.

1. If for so many reasons it is advantageous that I dwell henceforth in another form among men upon earth: from among all possible forms that one should be chosen, which is best suited to My Heart, and most profitable to men.

Now, My Child, since I came down to men, that they might have spiritual life, and since I stay in their midst that they may have it more abundantly; and as the spiritual life bears in every way a resemblance to the material life, which is sustained and strengthened by natural food; they need a supernatural food, whereby the life of the spirit may be preserved, may grow in solidity, and flourish ever more and more.

It is better, therefore, that I remain under the appearance of food, since I am not only the Bread of life, but Life itself. For how much more abundantly will the faithful soul have life, if she be nourished with Life itself?

Besides, Child, My Heart is love: but love is the gift of one’s self, and does not rest until it has given and united itself to the object beloved.

Now, as in the life of nature. naught is more intimately united than food and the one that takes it; so also in the spiritual life, by the gift of My love, the greatest and most intimate union occurs between the soul and Myself.

This is that Divine and beatific union, whereby 1 can render every soul blissful: the work of a boundless love.

 

[Monica4316]

Finally, I am pleased to stay among men under the form of a banquet, which is a token of the greatest friendship, in order that, even upon earth, the faithful may rejoice in My supernal fellowship, which the Blessed in Heaven enjoy; and that they may recall with delight that never-ending bliss, wherein I dispose to you a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at My table, and where, girding Myself and going about, I will minister to you.

This will be the union everlasting, and thrillingly blissful,-----the Passover of never-ending joy,-----the wine of eternal love, which I will drink with you ever new in the kingdom of My Father.

1. In order that men might gradually be prepared for mysteries so great, I willed that, in many ways, all this should be foreshadowed in the Old Law.

A figure thereof was the fruit of the tree of life planted in Paradise, by the food of which men, in a state of innocence, were to be nourished, and to bloom with life, that they might preserve themselves from death, and thus secure immortality.

A figure thereof was the bread and wine offered by Melchisedech, the priest and king: priest of the Most High, king of Salem, king of peace.

A figure thereof was the Paschal Lamb, the Lamb without blemish, which was both offered and eaten: which was to be consumed neither raw nor cooked, but prepared with fire: and they that eat the same were to have their loins girded, shoes on their feet, staves in their hands, as if in readiness to go on a journey.

A figure thereof was the Manna in the desert, which fell every day from Heaven, possessed the pleasantness of every kind of savor, was called the bread of Angels, of which neither he that gathered more than the usual measure had more, nor he that collected less than another possessed less.

A figure thereof was the Ark of the Covenant, wherein the Majesty of God was honored between the Cherubim; and whence He was wont, day and night, to impart to His people propitiation, aid, and comfort.

Lastly, a figure thereof was the bread baked under the ashes, whereby the Prophet was freed from his faintness and depression of spirit; and, endowed with new vigor, walked, on the strength of that food, even to the mountain of God.

1. It was not unknown to Me, my Child, how much this institution would cost Me: how great and how many a sacrifice this My Sacramental life would require.

I know to what humiliations I subject Myself, to how many insults I expose Myself. But all these My Heart deems less than the love, whereby It is borne towards My Father and towards men.

My love is overcome by no obstacles: it triumphs easily over all. Nay more, these very difficulties themselves, it looks upon and displays, as so many proofs of its greatness and generosity.

Behold, then, eminently the great Sacrament of affectionateness, which, conceived by My love before all ages, was realized by My supreme power in time, appeared wonderful to the Angels, was preached to the nations: which has consoled the world, and which by its sweetness has inebriated the hearts of mortals.

1. The Voice of the Disciple.-----O the height of the wisdom and love of Thy Heart, Jesus, Son of the living God! How marvelous, how stupendous are Its works! How lovely, O Lord, how sweet!

Behold, how Thou didst love us, most loving Jesus! Thou didst annihilate Thyself for love of us, taking upon Thee the form of food, becoming like unto nourishment, and being found under the appearance of bread, but the Bread of life everlasting!

O what power of love did enkindle Thy Heart, when about to pass from this world to the Father, Thou didst institute this most wonderful, this most delightful means of abiding with us, and of abiding in such a manner!

O prodigy of love! O Divine institution! wherein Thou Thyself, O most benign Jesus, art at once the banquet and the guest, the offering and the offerer: the joy of Angels, and of men!

1. Thanks to Thee, Lord Jesus, eternal thanks to Thee, for the unutterable goodness of Thy Heart, whereby Thou didst bestow upon us this incomparable blessing.

Would that I were able to return Thee suitable thanks for so great a gift! Come, ye Angels and Saints of God; come ye, all peoples and tribes; give ye thanks with me, to the Lord: let us praise, and exceedingly magnify Him, for this the love of His Heart.

Let us sing a new canticle to the Lord; for that, abiding with us after a new manner, He pours forth upon us from Him; Heart, blessings ever new.

Let us joyfully sing to God, our Saviour: let us fall down before Him, let us weep for joy and gratitude in His Presence.

1. O Jesus, infinite love! Who through love didst come into this world, and remainest here through love; nay more, through love art become wholly mine: to Thee, in return, I give and deliver my heart, all my affections,. my whole self: grant, I beseech Thee, that, by love, I may be Thine for ever more, that whatsoever I am and possess, may be at the disposal of Thy love and glory.

Take away from me all obstacles to Thy love; extinguish in me every ill-ordered affection, that naught may affect, naught may move me, except what concerns Thyself, or Thy interests. Thou, O delight of my heart, Thou, O bliss of my soul! do Thou live and reign in me: be Thou henceforth the first and, last object of my thoughts and affections: let me be ever occupied with Thee, or for Thee, Who art all to me.

 

[Monica4316]

CHAPTER XI. THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN THE SACRAMENT OF HIS LOVE,
IS OUR GREATEST CONSOLATION ON EARTH

1. The voice of Jesus.-----My Child, behold My Tabernacle with men! behold here I dwell with them. Here I Myself console them that come, and I wipe away every tear from their eyes.

And, as there is no place on earth, where affliction does not sometimes shed tears, My Heart multiplies Its miracles, that It may everywhere multiply consolations.
Hence, thou mayst learn, My Child, that the mercy of My Heart is greater than man’s misery can be.

If any remedy, if any comfort is required in misfortune, here it is found in My Heart; here it is drawn with gladness from the same.

Behold! here I make all things new: things heavy I change into light, things tasteless I make to be savory: bitterness I turn into sweetness, mourning into joy of heart.

Nay, more, this vale of tears I transform into a Paradise; earth into heaven before its time. For here is the plentifulness of all the good things of Heaven, here is the fountain of peace and gladness; here are the Angels, here am I Myself, here is bliss ever-enduring.

1. These are the wonders of love, Child, which My Heart works for thee, that thou mayst not be cast down amid the tribulations of life; but that, attracted by the goodness of My Heart, thou mayst come to this overflowing fountain of all consolation.

If thou hast once duly tasted Its sweetness, thou wilt soon forget every affliction of the past, or wilt even deem it all joy.

When, here before the Tabernacle, thou pourest forth thy heart; above all, when, after holy Communion, thou speakest to Me heart to Heart, and resignest thyself wholly to Me; then wilt thou perceive that affliction yields to consolation, fear to confidence, lukewarmness to fervor of heart.

If, overlooking Me, thou runnest elsewhere to find some one to relieve and help thee in thy dejection, thou shalt often be able to say: I sought some one to comfort me, but I found none.

But hither thou shalt never come in vain: hence thou shalt never depart without relief.

Hither, then, do thou ever fly, that thou mayst receive a remedy for thy troubles; and turn thy Sufferings into consoling merits.

1. If misfortune, if loss of possessions or even if want fill thy heart with groanings and thy eyes with tears, so as to render thy soul weary of life; here, My Child, thou shalt find what no mortal can give thee; here thou shalt obtain a soothing of thy grief. If thou lookest upon My example, thy heart shall be comforted: My promise of permanent possessions, which thou shalt receive by sharing My inheritance, after having passed a few days here below, will cheer up thy spirit: lastly, the secret grace of My Heart will not rarely turn the tears of grief into tears of consolation.

If the world hates thee, if men slight, oppose, or oppress thee; here, O My Child, here in this mystery of love thou shalt be abundantly comforted: when thou possessest Me, yea, when thou pressest Me to thy heart, Me thy Saviour, thy faithful Friend, thy best and dearest Father, thou wilt be contented enough to be hidden, to be humbled with Me, that thou mayst be the more alike and pleasing to My Heart, in order to be forever exalted by Me among My elect.

And, if thou art afflicted or tormented with pains of the body and anguish of soul; behold, Child, behold where is thy solace, which alone can reach the innermost recesses of the ailing heart, and which none can hinder, except thyself----by hearkening rather to thy own thoughts than to My whisperings. Thou shalt also experience that which has been felt by thousands of faithful souls that came hither in sorrow, and with an aching heart; and soon, refreshed by the sweetness of the love of My Heart, went away their hearts dilated with bliss.

If annoyed by temptations, if worn down by desolateness; hasten hither, My Child. Behold! My Heart invites and awaits thee thus tempted and rendered desolate. It will receive thee with gladness; It will strengthen thee by Its own fortitude; It will fill thee with the sweetness of Its unction.

Shouldst thou even commit a fault, arise quickly, and run thou hither. Here thou shalt easily repair all: here thou shalt recover peace and joy of heart.

O if thou knewest, My Child, with how great a longing to console every one, My Heart watches here at all times,----consoling Itself whenever It comforts some one in his affliction;----thou wouldst then understand whence it is that none, in what trouble soever he may find himself, can come hither well-disposed to My Heart, without receiving consolation.

 

[Monica4316]

1. For, in the sacred Tabernacle, thou now possessest Me, the same Saviour, that, whileth, when I lived a mortal life, comforted all: the very same Heart. that, whilst placed in the manger, gave peace to the Shepherds, and filled the Magi with heavenly delight: that, in childhood rejoiced them that came to Me: that, throughout life was the refuge and solace of all. Thou knowest, My Child, how all the sick and the weak, the blind and the lame, the deaf and the dumb, the wretched and the disconsolate were wont to appeal to My Heart, and implore Its compassion and help.

Was ever one of these disappointed in his hope, by what suffering soever he was bowed down; at what time soever of the day or of the night he
came to me?

Did not every one, in whatsoever hour he had recourse to the goodness of My Heart, go away more consoled than he had dared to hope? And, My Child, all these wonders, all these consolations, My Heart does here ceaselessly renew; but in a manner all the more perfect and useful, the more spiritual it is, and the better adapted to everlasting life.

There, indeed, It healed the diseases of the body: here It cures the ailments, the infirmities and miseries of the soul.

There It freed them that were possessed by the devil, or tormented by him; here It does more, since It guards the faithful against the demon.

There It cleansed those afflicted with leprosy: here It purifies souls, and makes them clean and whiter than snow.

There, by a miracle, It sated thousands of men with a natural food: here It nourishes all the faithful with the Bread of Angels.

There It restored the dead to life: here, what is better beyond comparison, It preserves souls from death.

1. And as then My Heart, full of compassion, mercy, goodness, was accessible to all; so now It is open to every one, even to the most wretched and afflicted.

Believe not, My Child, even should a spirit suggest the thought, that My Heart does now possess a different feeling, either in respect to God, or with regard to men.
Take heed lest thou deem My Heart, that abides here to comfort thee, different from My Heart, that erewhile, in Its mortal life, so marvelously, so sweetly relieved men, and filled them with every consolation. For every spirit, that thus severs or divides My Heart, is not of God.

1. Dilate thy heart, My Child, and understand, as much as thou art able, what comfort, here, as from a perennial fountain, flows down upon thee from My Heart.
   Behold all the consolations, admirable and delightful,----which, during Its mortal life, It imparted to many and various persons,----It bestows in Its Sacramental life upon thee alone.

How much happier, then, art thou, than they that were living at the time of My mortal life! Neither did these, like thyself, uninterruptedly enjoy My Presence: neither were they in the same manner, as thou, possessed of Me: nor, lastly, did they receive or enjoy Me, as thyself, O Child of My Heart.

Lo, then, to what a degree My Heart favors thee. In every necessity, therefore in every difficulty whether interior or exterior, do thou fly hither. Here, if thou art guilty, thou shalt obtain pardon, if sick, healing; if downhearted, courage and fortitude; if afflicted, relief and help; if in danger, protection and safety; a remedy for all miseries; always a true and sanctifying consolation.

1. The voice of the Disciple.----O Jesus, my love! how delightful are the designs of Thy Heart, whereby, to soothe the bitterness of this life, Thou journeyest, in some manner, with me in my banishment, nay, changest my very exile into a Paradise!

Shall I speak, O Lord, or be silent about what r conceive of the exceeding love of Thy Heart for us men? Yet, for the glory of Thy Heart, I will not be silent: Thus, O Jesus! thus Thou didst nowhere deal with the Angels themselves; thus Thou never gavest Thyself to them to enjoy!

O my Jesus! infinite sweetness, how immensely hast Thou loved me! how givest Thou Thyself to me! how dost Thou wholly become my consolation!

Whence, O most loving God, so great a goodness toward an ungrateful Child, not worthy of the name of Child!

Thus, O ineffable love! Thou displayest the greatness of Thy goodness, since Thou regardest not Thy Majesty and my abjectness, but kindly followest the goodness of Thy Heart, moved by my indigence and Thy charity.

1. O Lord Jesus, Father of mercies, and God of all consolation! with how great a gladness do I come to Thee, full of courage and confidence in Thy pure goodness!
   Many, indeed, and great are my miseries: yet, confidingly and cheerfully do I draw nigh, attracted by the sweetness of Thy love.

For now I know that, although Thou art incapable of pain, Thou art not without feeling; that, although my sorrows do not cause Thee any suffering, Thou art not indifferent to them. Now I understand, that Thou art able and willing to feel compassion for my infirmities; and that my great and numerous miseries are the objects of: Thine infinite mercy.

If, hitherto, I languished miserable and disconsolate, I myself was in fault; because I neglected to come to the ever-open source of mercy and comfort. But, henceforth, whenever I shall be afflicted, I will arise and go to this fountain of all blessings, where I shall find more remedies than I need: where I shall have greater consolations than I car contain in my heart.