What makes us happy? Or to be precise, what makes us happier than all other things taken together? Answers may vary from person to person. For some it will be a sumptuous dinner, some others enjoy their time spent with family. Many derive happiness from their achievements in life. A long-cherished dream coming true, getting a life partner of one’s choice, going on vacation, watching entertainment programs, or simply sleeping; people have a hundred reasons to be happy.
But there is something else that makes us the happiest. It is reaching our final destination called heaven. There is no higher joy than attaining eternal life. But it comes after life. Then a foretaste of this heavenly bliss must be the happiest thing that we could hope for in this world.
Our Lord Jesus Christ has blessed us with an opportunity to enjoy this foretaste of heaven in the Eucharist. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: ‘There is no surer pledge or dearer sign of this great hope in the new heavens and new earth “in which righteousness dwells,” than the Eucharist. Every time this mystery is celebrated, “the work of our redemption is carried on” and we “break the one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that makes us live forever in Jesus Christ’ (CCC 1405).
The greatest thing that a man could expect in life is to be in spiritual union with the Risen Lord. This also happens in Communion because ‘he is present … most especially in the Eucharistic species’ (CCC 1373). Then it follows that we must derive maximum joy or rather ecstasy while receiving the Communion. Is there any higher joy than having a foretaste of life in heaven?
But…..
Why is it not reflected in the faces of those who come out of the church after attending the Holy Mass? This is something that we must think about seriously. It is our experience that many return from church as gloomy as they entered the church or perhaps gloomier than before.
Why does it happen?
There is only one reason. Though the Eucharist is capable of elevating us to a realm of joy that is unique in itself, this joy is accessible to those who approach the Eucharist in a worthy manner only. It makes a huge difference. Sincere contrition and a good confession will prepare us to receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ in a worthy manner. Then the radiance that emanates from such people will be visible to others.
Afterall Jesus Christ went through his passion and crucifixion to make us happy. Eucharist is a remembrance and re-enactment of the sacrifice that Jesus performed at Calvary. It is a big tragedy for any Christian who, even after receiving the Lord in Eucharist, fails to experience its joy.
Let us resolve not to approach the body and blood of Jesus Christ in an unworthy state. May the Eucharistic Lord give us the grace to fulfil this pledge. May our faces become radiant after receiving the Communion and may this radiance spread to all whom we meet.
(www.v-catholic.com)
