A Little Something Extra...The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

The Saints on the Eucharist

Please take some time on this Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ to meditate on the following quotations drawn from the wisdom of the saints.

* “If we but paused for a moment to consider attentively what takes place in this Sacrament, I am sure that the thought of Christ's love for us would transform the coldness of our hearts into a fire of love and gratitude.” - St. Angela of Foligno

* “When you have received Him, stir up your heart to do Him homage; speak to Him about your spiritual life, gazing upon Him in your soul where He is present for your happiness; welcome Him as warmly as possible, and behave outwardly in such a way that your actions may give proof to all of His Presence.” - St. Francis de Sales

* “How many of you say: I should like to see His face, His garments, His shoes. You do see Him, you touch Him, you eat Him. He gives Himself to you, not only that you may see Him, but also to be your food and nourishment.” - St. John Chrysostom

* “You come to me and unite Yourself intimately to me under the form of nourishment. Your Blood now runs in mine, Your Soul, Incarnate God, compenetrates mine, giving courage and support. What miracles! Who would have ever imagined such!” - St. Maximilian Kolbe

* “Every Consecrated Host is made to burn Itself up with love in a human heart...” - St. John Vianney, the Cure of Ars

* “When you look at the Crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now...” - Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

* “Lord Jesus Christ, pierce my soul with your love so that I may always long for you alone, who are the bread of angels and the fulfillment of the soul's deepest desires. May my heart always hunger for you, so that soul may be filled with the sweetness of your presence.” - Saint Bonaventure

* “Love tends to union with the object loved. Now Jesus Christ loves a soul that is in a state of grace with immense love; He ardently desires to unite Himself with it. That is what Holy Communion does.” - St. Alphonsus Ligouri

* “The Bread that we need each day to grow in eternal life, makes of our will a docile instrument of the Divine Will; sets the Kingdom of God within us; gives us pure lips, and a pure heart with which to glorify his holy name.” - Edith Stein

* “When you awake in the night, transport yourself quickly in spirit before the Tabernacle, saying: 'Behold, my God, I come to adore You, to praise, thank, and love you, and to keep you company with all the Angels'” - St. John Vianney

* “The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life." - Pope John Paul II