When talking about the Eucharist, we talk about Jesus. He himself is called the “Bread of Life,” which nourishes, strengthens and sustains us. The Eucharist at Mass is a way to draw closer to Jesus, who strengthens us. But living our lives as a continuous “eucharist” is something else. It transcends the Mass. The Eucharist invites us to not simply remain in the church building, but also sent into the world.

We have to become aware of the hunger the world has. We, who want to be in united with Jesus, the “Bread of Life,” must see how Jesus had a special attention to the hunger of others. He recognized their spiritual hunger and how they were like sheep without a shepherd. The Eucharist invites us to look at the world as Jesus did and to realize their hunger.

United to Jesus, we can live as a “living thanksgiving” to the Father, and as “living bread” that is divided and distributed to satisfy the hunger and needs of the people around us. I invite you to consider yourself this way, as a “eucharist.” May you feel called to recognize the different hungers of the world around you and that you are able to give yourself to others in generosity, making your life a continuous eucharist.

• Ignacio Rey Nores SJ
  Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Uruguay)