By Channa Tilakarathna
Dear brothers in Christ,
As we gather before the Blessed Sacrament this evening, we are drawn into the profound mystery of the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. The Gospel of John offers us the powerful discourse on the Bread of Life, where Jesus proclaims, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). In these words, we find the essence of our faith and the core of our vocation as future priests.
I would like to draw your attention to three significant aspects of the Blessed Sacrament and how they touch our lives…
1. The presence of Christ…
In the Blessed Sacrament, we encounter Jesus himself: he is a true presence, not just a symbol or remembrance. This mystery invites us into a deeper communion with him. As seminarians, we are called to nurture a personal relationship with Jesus. In the silence of adoration, let us open our hearts to his presence, listen to his voice, and allow him to transform us.
This encounter with Christ in the Eucharist is essential for our priestly formation. It reminds us that Jesus is near and tangible, inviting us into a relationship that is both personal and transformative. Our ministry as future priests will be sustained and enriched by this encounter with the living Christ, who dwells among us in the Blessed Sacrament.
2. The gift of self…
In the Eucharist, Jesus gives himself entirely to us: his body broken for our salvation, his blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins. This self-giving love is the ultimate gift, and it calls us to emulate it in our own lives. As we prepare for the priesthood, we are invited to make our lives a reflection of the Eucharistic sacrifice, offering ourselves in service to God and his people.
This radical self-giving is at the heart of our priestly vocation. Every time we celebrate the Eucharist, we are reminded of our call to lay down our lives in love and service. In the act of consecration, we unite our own sacrifices with Christ’s, offering ourselves wholly to God and His people. This Eucharistic spirituality shapes our identity and mission as priests, compelling us to serve with compassion, humility, and joy.
3. Nourishment for our life journey…
The Eucharist is the bread of life, nourishing our souls and sustaining us on our journey. In our formation, we will face challenges, doubts, and moments of weakness. But in the Eucharist, we find the spiritual sustenance we need. Let us approach the Blessed Sacrament with reverence and hunger, knowing that in this holy sacrament, Jesus himself feeds us, strengthens us, and prepares us for the mission ahead.
The Eucharist provides the strength and perseverance we need to endure the trials and tribulations of our journey. It nourishes our souls, sustains our spirits, and fortifies us against the struggles we may encounter. As seminarians, we are not immune to challenges, but in the Eucharist, we find the grace to persevere and the wisdom to discern our path. This divine nourishment empowers us to be faithful witnesses of Christ’s love in the world.
Dear brothers, as we reflect on the Blessed Sacrament, we can draw inspiration from St. Peter Julian Eymard, the founder of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation. St. Eymard dedicated his life to promoting Eucharistic adoration and deepening devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. He once said, “You take communion to become holy, not because you already are.” These words remind us that the Eucharist is a powerful means of sanctification, calling us to continual growth in holiness.
St. Eymard’s life was a testament to his deep love for the Eucharist. His founding of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation was driven by his desire to bring people closer to Jesus through the Blessed Sacrament. His dedication inspires us to approach the Eucharist with fervor and commitment, recognizing its power to transform our lives and those we serve.
As we kneel before the Blessed Sacrament this evening, let us renew our commitment to follow Jesus with unwavering faith and devotion. Let us ask him to fill our hearts with his love, his peace, and his zeal for the Gospel. In this sacred moment, let us surrender our fears, doubts, and aspirations to him.
Dear brothers, as we continue our formation, may the Eucharist be our strength. Let our lives be a testament to the transformative power of the Blessed Sacrament, leading us to serve Christ’s Church with faithful hearts. May our time before the Blessed Sacrament deepen our love for Jesus and prepare us to serve with renewed fervour and dedication.
Amen.