Rediscover the Joy of Spending Time with Christ
Pope Francis has extended a warm invitation to the faithful, urging them to rediscover their love of spending time with Christ and to become missionaries of His love to others. In a heartfelt message sent to Madagascar’s National Eucharistic Congress happening this week, the Pope emphasized the importance of Eucharistic adoration and communion with Christ.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
In his message, the Pope applauded the initiative of the National Eucharistic Congress in Madagascar, which aims to bring Christians back to the essentials of faith. He encouraged the participants to rekindle their sense of reverence for the Eucharist and cultivate a desire to spend quality time in the presence of Christ.
“Rediscover the sense of Eucharistic adoration and the desire to spend time with Christ.”
Embrace the Act of Adoration
The Pope addressed a letter to Bishop Marie Fabien Raharilamboniain, the President of the Episcopal Conference of Madagascar, emphasizing the transformative power of approaching Christ in the Eucharist. He highlighted the significance of the National Eucharistic Congress, especially as it coincides with the centenary celebration of the “Eucharistic Youth Movement.”
As the Synod on Synodality approaches, the Pope underscored the importance of unity, prayer, and engagement with others inspired by Jesus’ example in the Eucharist.
We Cannot Keep Christ to Ourselves
Pope Francis stressed that encountering Christ in adoration and communion compels believers to share His love with others. He described this experience as transformative, making it impossible to hoard Christ’s love but inspiring individuals to become missionaries spreading His love to all.
“Once we have encountered Christ in adoration, once we have touched and received Him in the Eucharistic celebration, it is no longer possible to keep Him to ourselves.”
Eucharist Compels Us to Love
The Holy Father highlighted the Eucharist’s call to deepen love for others, emphasizing the need for open hearts and genuine care for one’s neighbor. He urged participants and members of the “Eucharistic Youth Movement” to be instruments of Jesus’ love, guiding others to experience His presence in the Eucharist.
Making Lives Offerings to God
Encouraging them to offer their lives in service to God, the Pope called on participants to unite their sacrifices with Jesus’ sacrifice on the altar. By doing so, they contribute to spreading Christ’s love, fostering a deeper connection with Him.
“Help them make their own lives an offering to God, united with that of Jesus on the Altar, in order to make Him known, loved, and served ever more”
In conclusion, Pope Francis extended his blessings to all participants and entrusted them to the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary. He prayed for their continued growth in relationship with Christ, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment found in communion with the Lord.
