Lincoln, Neb., Apr 13, 2017 / 05:59 am
Eucharistic adoration offers a powerful chance to encounter Christ's love in silence and humility, and that experience can transform our hearts, both individually and as a Church, said Bishop James D. Conley of Lincoln, Neb. in a new pastoral letter.
"Love is selfless sacrifice, and sacrifice is the language of love. Love is the gift of ourselves to our beloved. And Christ made a gift of himself – he gave us his body and blood – poured himself out for our salvation, when he conquered death by dying and rising again," Bishop Conley said. "Christ gave us his body and blood, as an act of love, so that we could know the love of God."
"Before he conquered death forever, in a sacrifice of love, Jesus gave himself to the Church in the gift of the Eucharist," the bishop reflected.
His pastoral letter "Love Made Visible" was released for Holy Thursday, when the Catholic liturgy marks the Last Supper. The letter reflects upon the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper and draws on the writings of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI on the Eucharist.