33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Day 24

(Another note about the blog. I don't understand why the date on each blog is one day off. I think they are now being published on the right day. This one is scheduled to be published on Monday, April 7 at 2 a.m. but I am afraid that is will show Sunday, April 6 at the top of the post. Not sure why but here goes...)

A couple of years ago, I had a homily series called On Fire: Stories of the Early Church. And so I found this chapter interesting. While I am aware of the differences of the early church. While I am aware of the sinfulness of the early Church. And while I agree that the our relationship with Jesus is all that can change the world right now. I think Matthew Kelly's assessment of the early church falls a little bit short.

What I tried to convey n the homily series and what I think is important for us to remember is that the early church was changed because so many people were true disciples. By this I mean they had an encounter with Jesus; they were transformed by that encounter; and they felt compelled to share that encounter with others. 

In some ways it was easier for the early church. Either they knew Jesus personally themselves or they knew someone who knew Jesus personally. 

And that is precisely the beauty of the Eucharist. We can come to know Jesus personally each time we celebrate Mass. The Church teaches that Jesus is present in four ways at each Mass. He is present in the Eucharist (consecrated bread and wine), in the Word of God (Scripture readings), in the person of the priest, and in the assembled people gathered for worship.

And so while it may have been easier in some ways for the early Church. In other ways it is easier for us because we have four different ways to encounter Jesus each Sunday (or even each day). We also have 2000 years of history that reminds us time and time again that Jesus has never left us.

The early Church was blessed, but so are we. May we find the many ways that Jesus is still present to us today, is still transforming lives, and is still compelling us to share His life with others.