Food for the Journey: For those longing for nourishment and hope
by Diocese of Des Moines | April 25, 2022
By Gretchen Watznauer
The wonders of the Holy Eucharist bring hope and joy to my soul.
I often find myself thinking, “How did I get invited to the table of plenty to receive the Holy Eucharist in this beautiful church?”
Then remember, it’s because I believe, not that I am perfect I experience this opportunity to gather at Mass with a community of believers and sinners much like myself.
I am not alone, in that alone there is hope.
The blessed sacrament forgives our sins when we prepare our hearts. It nourishes our soul with hope that true joy lies ahead if we listen to God.
This gift of hope and joy would not be possible without a community of believers.
There are others like me who must pray, give thanks and lean into God’s personal message.
We are not alone.
What great joy to know we are gathered with the angels and the saints, bringing light, love and protection, as well as our earthly fellow parishioners to receive the true sacrifice of Christ. To taste and see the goodness of the Lord, is to be nourished and live! Many days I wonder if I am deserving of this blessing, but my God assures me this is where I belong.
It is here in this moment I find sustaining love, hope and joy for the future.
It’s not just in receiving the Eucharist but the anticipation leading up to Eucharist that I find joy. Songs make my eyes well with tears in the wonder of the words sung. There’s joyful anticipation of seeing Christ in the priest's eyes, knowing he has been transfigured to deliver us this gift. It’s the gift you can never know how much you needed until you received it, embraced it, lived with it.
I am filled with hope and forgiveness, the joy of becoming one with Christ, with my family and with my community.
I find joy in watching family becoming one with Christ through the Eucharist, knowing he will support them in ways I cannot. I observe my students receiving Eucharist with joy, knowing it is a privilege that not all receive.
How can my week not be filled with miracles and wonder? I am blessed.
The fulfillment of the Eucharist focuses my thankfulness on my blessings. I’m empowered to be an instrument of Christ’s peace, ready to serve his world with prayer, joy, and love to meet the needs of others.
I embrace hope in struggles I can’t yet conquer, as Christ is one with me, I will not fail. He will give me strength in finding joy to overcome struggles. He gives me hope that our community will work together to make the world a better place.
After partaking in the Eucharist, the week ahead will have more to offer. Even in the moments that are not easy, there is more grace for myself and others.
I hope to be a positive and joyful role model to my family, my peers and my students as I am filled with Christ.