The Eucharist—A Mystery to Be Believed

During the Preparation of the Gifts—Offer Yourself to God – Offering yourself, your works, prayers, every endeavor and even hardships and suffering, “together with the offering of the Lord’s body, are most fittingly offered in the celebration of the Eucharist.” Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (1964) 34. 6 

The priest (or Deacon) pours wine and a little water into the chalice, saying (often inaudibly): 

By the mystery of this water and wine 

may we come to share in the divinity of Christ 

who humbled Himself to share in our humanity. 

Offer Yourself 

You involve yourself in the Mass by offering yourself to God. Bring it all to the table: suffering, heartbreak, disappointment, joy, gratitude, and the exciting, good news in your life. This is the essence of what you have to offer. Listen to the words of St. Paul: “I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1- 2). By uniting yourself as an offering at Mass, you fully participate in what is taking place — “Through him, with him, in him.” 

You present yourself as a gift to God through a prayer that states your intentions: “Lord, I offer myself to You.” Just as Jesus gives all of Himself to us by His presence in the Eucharist—His joy; His suffering, sacrifice, and sorrow; His death and His resurrection so you have an opportunity to give all of yourself back to Him. It is the finest gift you have to offer. You unite yourself completely with Our Lord, and He accepts your gift of self just as He accepts you, embraces you, and loves you. 

The Perfect Prayer—Surrender 

Surrender yourself; empty yourself of self to make room for Jesus. Surrender yourself so that the hidden power of God can live within you and act through you. You are asking Jesus to make you a gift to the Father. This is your perfect prayer because Jesus accepts your offer and unites you to Himself as a gift to the Father. When you receive the Eucharist, your offering is complete. 

Your Work is Not Done 

During Mass, we acclaim the mystery of faith: “When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again (see 1 Cor 11:26).” You live in the gap between His death and “until you [Jesus] come again.” The work of the Incarnation is not completed. Jesus has risen, and there is a profound mission to be accomplished before He comes again. That is why the Eucharist is essential. With it, you take Him into the world to bring about His works of mercy and love. 

Silent Reflection and Discernment 

Just as Jesus gives all of Himself to us by His presence in the Eucharist—His joy; His suffering, sacrifice, and sorrow; His death and His resurrection—so you have an opportunity to give all of yourself back to Him. It is the finest gift you have to offer. 

In what way do you surrender yourself to God?