Dear Friends,
Last week, members of the Executive Team for the National Eucharistic Revival gathered to prayerfully prepare and plan for the Year of Mission, which launches at the conclusion of the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis next July 2024 and culminates in 2025, the Jubilee year (themed “Pilgrims of Hope”).
As we discerned and considered the various opportunities possible to help every Catholic engage more deeply in what it means to be on mission, one member of the executive team shared with the whole group a jarring question that had come to him in prayer:
“When did Jesus stop being enough?”
In big and little ways—if we are honest—we can all relate to this question. I remember years ago when I first sensed the call to religious life. I struggled because, deep in my heart, I didn’t believe Jesus’ love was enough for me. It was only when I chose to surrender to his merciful love that I began to experience how his love—indeed, how Jesus himself—is infinitely more than enough for me.
This coming week—before Sunday Mass, in the quiet of an adoration chapel, before the tabernacle, or even in the privacy of your room—you can join me in making a spiritual examen, asking Jesus these questions:
Jesus, where in my heart do I still doubt that you are enough?
What part of me believes I am unworthy of you?
How do I believe the lie that other people or pleasure or possessions or power will fill my heart, when the truth is that only you can?
After you’ve sat for a little while in prayer with these questions, ask Jesus to show you how: “he alone nourishes our soul; he alone forgives us from that evil that we cannot overcome on our own; he alone makes us feel loved even if everyone else disappoints us; he alone gives us the strength to love and, he alone gives us the strength to forgive in difficulties; he alone gives that peace to the heart that it is searching for; he alone gives eternal life when life here on earth ends.”* He alone is enough. Wait in the silence—he will answer, even if ever so softly.
In Jesus,
Sister Alicia Torres, F.E.
Managing Editor
*Quote taken from Pope Francis, Angelus, August 8, 2021.
https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/
https://www.usccb.org/resources/welcome-national-eucharistic-revival
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