Reflections from the National Eucharistic Congress
My photo from the Closing Mass
On the first Sunday following the 10th Annual National Eucharistic Congress, the Gospel is aptly the feeding of the five thousand. This passage, of course, is rich in theological foreshadowing of the Eucharistic banquet: The Lord teaching the apostles to rely totally on Him, the measly offering of the loaves and fish, the radical and miraculous multiplication after the usual formula of Jesus taking the offering and giving thanks. (Of course, there are more sophisticated philosophers and theologians than the present writer.)
When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, "Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted." So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, "This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world." John 6:12-14 (emphasis added)
After five days in Indianapolis, completely stacked with the teaching and preaching from dozens of Eucharistic missionaries, those in attendance may relate to the disciples in the passage who had their fill! Monsignor James Shea urged us to "talk about hunger and satisfy." Fifty thousand pilgrims entered the arena famished for the Eucharist, and perhaps upon leaving felt a satiation of the soul. But the Gospel reminds us there is even so much more to eat.
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When I was younger (one of my coming-of-age "core memories" if you will), I remember going to a buffet and finally being allowed to serve my plate without the assistance of a parent. The meal of choice? A dinner-sized plate full of jello. Using several one-inch jello squares of varying colors, I created a little picture on my plate. I marched to my table full of pride and decided it was time for show-and-tell. To my surprise, my parents instructed me to eat the entirety of my gelatinous masterpiece. As you might imagine I didn't eat jello for several years thereafter.
I remember that my mom said I had eyes bigger than my stomach. I would argue in a way, I still do.
While experiencing the historic National Eucharistic Congress, I asked the Lord to give me big eyes so I wouldn't miss anything. When I attend these types of events, I tend to gorge myself on the rich spiritual, intellectual, and even communal feast.
But everything consumed must be digested.
We, like the disciples, had our fill. But the good news is that there is more to eat. The generosity of the Lord is incomparable, unrivaled, and paramount. The mediocre offering we give, he greets with utmost magnanimity. It's not over yet. It can't end here. He has more for me, and He has more for you. Keep digesting this great feast. Take everything to prayer. Contemplate, like Our Lady, everything in your heart. Let nothing go wasted!
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Just as the formula of Jesus is thanksgiving followed by the miracle, the formula of the disciples is seeing followed by saying. Throughout the congress, the Walk With One initiative was introduced and reiterated. The stereotypical "retreat high" experience (a mere fast food meal of satiety) was not the goal of these few days, but rather, a deep nourishment and commission of Eucharistic missionaries. See then say.
After all the beauty witnessed, graces received, and memories made, we were sent to the ends of the earth by Mother Adela, (well by Jesus, but also by Mother) who reminded us about the missionary mandate of the apostles. Evangelization is not optional for the faithful. Cardinal Luis Tagle humorously told us "Please GO!" when the priest or deacon tells us at the end of mass, "Ite, missa est."
Photo from the 41st International Eucharistic Congress in 1976, U.S. Catholic Historian
Mother Teresa shared a similar message at the 41st International Eucharistic Congress in 1976 in Philadelphia.
"If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."
She reminded us that one can simply share the Gospel with their immediate community to be a catalyst for transformation in the world. See then say. Tell the Good News about your encounter with Jesus in your homes, schools, parishes, and workplaces. Testify! Pray about even one person with whom to share the Real Presence in the Eucharist.
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Photo from Relevant Radio's live stream of the Eastern Rite Liturgy: Syro-Malabar Qurbānā
With this in mind, I'd like to share a special experience of mine during the congress. After the first morning Mass during praise and worship before our first Encounter Impact Session, my eyes were closed in hopeful prayer for this experience to open wide our hearts for what God would have in store. An image began forming in my mind, beginning with the large archway which was the frame of the National Eucharistic Congress logo, an archway that seemed to represent Heaven. It was very tall, like the one on the main stage in the stadium, and a bright white light was emanating from it.
Suddenly, Bl. Carlos Acutis was there, larger than life, facing the archway as if he were about to enter. Before he did, he looked back over his right shoulder with a soft smile on his face as if to whisper "Watch this." With this came a feeling of joyful expectation and a personal invitation into friendship with him. When I responded in my heart with a friendly greeting, I pictured him next to my group (young adults from Newman Center Pasadena) in his usual hoodie and blue jeans, worshipping the Lord in song with us, arms outstretched, singing loudly.
Newman Pasadena young adults + chaplain Fr. Nicholas Sheehy
He was known during his life as a fervent Eucharistic devotee, and I felt that he had something beautiful to show us if only we followed his lead. Although this felt very personal, my intuition told me that his invitation into friendship and especially to Eucharistic devotion was for all of us. Throughout the congress, I asked for His intercession, venerated his relic, and asked him to show us the way.
“When we face the sun we get a tan, but when we stand before Jesus in the Eucharist we become saints.” -Bl. Carlo Acutis
Photo from National Eucharistic Revival
Each evening, we had adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and on the last evening, I reflected on Bl. Carlo's imagery of the rays of the Eucharist transforming the soul. While the sun may affect the skin differently depending on melanin levels, the Eucharistic rays affect us according to our receptivity. While exposure to the sun in large amounts may result in damage to the skin, eyes, and immune system, exposure to the Eucharist leads us only to greater sanctity and a peace that surpasses all understanding. It cleanses our sight, so we can more clearly see how He sees.
As I unpack my luggage, fold my laundry, and go back to the office, I can't help but think of that smile on Bl. Carlo's face as we all return home to our ordinary lives. A smile that rests on and is reflected in my soul because I long for and await the Kingdom with hopeful expectancy. I feel the beginning of this revival in our nation, and in a particular way in my Archdiocese, as we will come together next year in Los Angeles for another National Eucharistic pilgrimage. It's not over. It can't end here. Revival is coming. And I can't wait to see it with my big eyes.
Photo from National Eucharistic Revival Facebook
PS: Bl. Carlo's canonization was recently approved and could occur during the Jubilee Year next year!
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