236. In the Eucharist, fullness is already achieved; it is the living center of the universe, the overflowing core of love and of inexhaustible life. Joined to the incarnate Son, present in the Eucharist, the whole cosmos gives thanks to God. Indeed, the Eucharist is itself an act of cosmic love: “Yes, cosmic! Because even when it is celebrated on the humble altar of a country church, the Eucharist is always in some way celebrated on the altar of the world. [166] The Eucharist joins heaven and earth; it embraces and penetrates all creation.
Reflection
When God became man and gave Himself as food for his creatures, it was the ultimate gift of Creation. Contemplate how you feel about the privilege of receiving the Eucharist. What graces have you received? What would you tell other faiths about the Eucharist?
Action
Attend one additional Mass in the next couple of weeks and contemplate the Eucharist in light of Pope Francis’s words in Laudato Si’.
