“He shows me how much I am loved”

It occurred to me that the words of this spiritual song sum up what the Eucharist means to me: 

“I know it was the blood
I know it was the blood
I know it was the blood for me
One day when I was lost
Jesus died upon the cross
I know it was the blood for me” 

Jesus shed his blood, suffered, and died on the cross – for me! I understand this not just as a social act, but as a very personal act done for my salvation. Believing in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist, I am filled with awe, humility, and gratefulness as I approach the altar. The sacrifice and mystery that was instituted at the last supper shows me how much I am loved. 

When I read and learn about the Eucharist from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other sources, I am faced with big words like ‘propitiatory’; I often have to look up the meanings. But the simple yet profound words of the above song speak volumes to me. Another song reminds me that there is power in the blood. Receiving the Eucharist gives me strength to face any challenges. The power of the blood will never be lost. The good news is that the story does not end with death on the cross. Jesus arose and He is coming again. So much love. Thank God for Jesus.