In celebration of the 2020 Eucharistic Congress, children from across the Diocese of Charlotte entered brief essays on the topic: “What does Jesus’ gift to us in the Holy Eucharist mean to you personally?” Catholic News Herald staff chose two winning entries – one from among middle school entrants and a second from among high school entrants. The winning essays are:
What Jesus’ gift in the Eucharist means to me
The Eucharist is taken once by each person during every Catholic Mass. What does it mean, though?
For me, the Eucharist is a clear representation of what Jesus gave up for us. He literally gave up His Body and Blood for us sinful humans just so that we could be forgiven and saved. Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice and the Eucharist reminds us of it every time we look upon it and taste it.
To me, I see the Eucharist as Jesus’ pledge of His love for us and for God, and it is His way of saying, “I am with you forever and always.”
The Eucharist was first presented in the Last Supper when Jesus gave bread and wine to His disciples and told them it was His Body and Blood which “will be given up for you and for many.”
During each Mass, the Last Supper story is retold to us so we can never forget the great and glorious sacrifice our Savior did for us.
The Eucharist is also called Holy Communion and I remember when I did my first Communion. It was a big deal, I had to go to church lessons and learn all about what it meant and about our Father. I was so excited, though, and before I got to take the Eucharist, I had to confess my sins. This would prepare me to be worthy of taking Communion and although I was ashamed of all the sins I had to confess, I knew I needed to do it.
Every time I take the Eucharist, I mentally remind myself of Jesus’ great sacrifice and how brave our Savior was. So for me, the Eucharist stands for bravery, courage, sacrifice and the ultimate gift to our Father in heaven.
— Leah Crouch, 17
What it means to me to receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist
When I received Jesus in the Holy Eucharist for the first time, I was so happy. That night, which was a Saturday, I asked my mom, “Do I get to receive Him again tomorrow?” She smiled and said, “Yes!” From that Sunday on, I was changed spiritually. I became so much closer to Jesus.
Four months later, I was able to participate in the procession at the Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte. It was so special to be able to throw petals in my First Communion dress for Jesus Christ. I was very glad to be a part of this amazing celebration!
After the virus started, I couldn’t receive Jesus in Holy Communion. I went almost three months without Him! The day I was able to receive the Eucharist again, I felt so much better. I was less lonely, and I wasn’t missing Him in my heart. I’m very happy to be with Him every day and to receive Him into my soul every Sunday.
Receiving the Eucharist is an amazing gift from God. Although we don’t have the opportunity to see Jesus in the flesh, I can receive Him into my body and soul through Holy Communion. I often think of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, and I feel deeply blessed that I get to be a part of the celebration of the Last Supper and become one with Our Lord.
— Mary Ferguson, 11