The goal of the Christian life is to identify with Christ, to the point where it can be said, like St. Paul, that “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Becoming more like Jesus is undoubtedly a constant challenge. His words and gestures are inspiring, show us a way of standing before God and encourages us to be a better person by focusing on what is most essential.

However, Jesus did not come to us as merely an ideal model to imitate. He is the way, the truth and the life. It is in the Eucharist that Jesus gives himself as bread for us. What truly nourishes our lives is the experience of being loved by someone who offers us himself in such an intimate way.

In addition to accepting this gift, we are called and moved to have the same attitudes as Jesus. As he lived to give himself to others, so our life should be given to others, both in big things and little things. We are challenged to give ourselves in every moment, having an authentic concern for the other person. We do this so that the lives of others are happy and closer to the love of the Father. By doing these things, we are being “another Christ” and let him live in our hearts.

• Fr. Antonio Valerio, SJ
  Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Portugal)