Everyone feels heartache. We all need something. It may be a relationship, a spiritual illness, a physical ailment, or a material desire. We yearn for it, but we don’t really ask for it. Don’t we forget that we can always go before the One who has all the answers? This thought struck me one morning as I was at Mass. I had been mulling something over in my mind, a grace I desperately needed. Then I looked up and saw the consecrated Host on the altar. I realized I was standing in the courts of the King, before the one who could give me that grace I desperately needed. All I had to do was ask.
Christ is there in the Eucharist, and he loves us. He has the power to give us everything, and he wants to, but how often do we really look him in the eye and ask? I was thinking recently of Queen Esther. She had a serious need: they were going to wipe out her entire people. Only one person could save them, the king, but to go before him was forbidden if unbidden, punishable by death. After prostrating herself and pouring her heart out to the Lord, Esther took her life into her own hands and went before the king to make her plea. One shot and the salvation of a nation hinged on it. Nail-biting to say the least.
We have it much easier than Esther. “Come to me!” Christ tells us in the Eucharist. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened; I will give you rest.” (Mt 11:28) “Ask and you shall receive.” (Mt 7:7) He is always there. We can approach the King whenever and he will receive us with open arms. Don’t be afraid to ask. He wants you to.
Here is a little reflection I wrote once, trying to capture this reality that is too good to be true.
You who seek a miracle,
God is waiting there,
Hid behind a little door;
He wants your needs to share.
Some resort to worrying.
Others scheme it through.
Why not take your needs to him
Whose presence there is true?
So oft we walk right past the place,
The tent wherein he dwells,
Yet sanctuary lamp does glow,
His presence true it tells.
We know he really dwells there,
Our faith has told us so,
And God has died upon the cross,
His love for you to show.
God has loved us oh so much,
In finem dilexit nos.
Now he within the Eucharist
Has brought this love so close.
Omnipotence with love combined,
There’s nothing it can’t do.
He longs to give you all good things
To show his love for you.
How little do you know that heart,
Which longs to grant each wish.
What father dear would give his child
A scorpion for a fish?
So bring him every little need,
The big things and the small.
Tell him of each victory.
Tell him of each fall.
“Jesus, help this person.”
“Lord, I’ve had enough.”
“Jesus, I feel terrible.
Everything’s been rough.”
“Can you make this happen?”
“Save this fallen heart.”
“Comfort battered children
In families torn apart.”
“Help dear Mother Church and Pope.”
“End this brutal war.”
“Bring grandmother heavenward,
With you evermore.”
Unload your worries all to Him.
You’re underneath his wing.
Unburden your heart on altar firm,
Your fears and joys him bring.
Go to him as simple child.
Ask and he will give.
How different will your life become
If with this trust you live.
Go to him in Eucharist.
Christ is waiting there.
If you only knew his heart;
He wants your needs to share.
Thank you for those needed words of encouragement.
Thank you for this beautiful reflection. So easy to miss the wonder in Christ’s Eucharistic presence. I will share this with my daughter who needs a reminder!