THE GIFTS WE BRING | KAIROS GLOBAL | SEPTEMBER 2022

Author: Geetha Jose

Intro: Geetha Jose writes about how she stopped going for Mass ‘empty-handed’.

Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty' (John 6:35).

I was rushing to church for the evening Mass. As soon as I entered the church, I noticed I was feeling quite disturbed but I couldn’t understand why. Immediately there was a strong feeling that I should not come empty-handed for Mass – that I had to bring the prayer offerings of others when I came. From then on I started to offer the prayer requests of people even before going for Mass. Amazingly, I have seen many people ask me for prayer help, even though they weren’t in my immediate contact circle. It often made me think and left me wondering why they felt like opening up to me and asking for my prayer support.

The preparation and dedication towards Holy Eucharist blesses my life to walk one more step closer with God. I've often felt that God honours my desire and makes things possible even when it seemed impossible to go to daily Mass.

The real value of anything is realised only when faced with its scarcity. The pandemic days have taught us real drought, having been forced to attend online Masses because of the Covid restrictions across the world. Although I initially found attending online Mass challenging, I eventually came to embrace it as the will of God because it was the only option. It was often painful at the time of the spiritual communion prayer as I could not receive the Body of Christ.

The easing of the pandemic’s restrictions led to the opportunity to attend physical Masses again was immensely relieving. It was during that time, we tried not to miss the opportunity to attend Holy Mass as family. I felt really blessed and fortunate to offer Mass with the whole community. 

I believe that Jesus is concerned not about the big things that we do but loves to see us do the little things most lovingly. Once, when I was coming out after Mass, a young woman came to speak to me. She was upset about her sister’s agony and asked me to pray for her. I consoled her by assuring my prayers for her sister and also asked her to keep her faith rooted in the Lord. One day during Mass, her prayer request came to mind as I had forgotten to offer it. I submitted it right away and soon I started to feel distressed. As my eyes welled up, I quickly managed to wipe my tears away trying not to catch anyone’s attention. Suddenly I heard a voice asking me: ‘Have you seen that person? Do you know her?’ I immediately answered: ‘I don't know.’ The next question came: ‘If you feel so much compassion and pain for someone you don't know, how much more pity will I feel?’ After hearing that, I was deeply touched. It was an experience that taught me about the Lord's compassion and mercy.

The full presence of Father God, Jesus, Mother Mary, saints and angels is felt at every offering of the Eucharist. I can say with certainty that the desire to come to the Eucharist comes from one's own personal experience of God. It is a heavenly feeling when the prayers and songs of the Eucharist are done as a community. 

The fellowship experience is not only in the church but when I leave after Mass, I usually don't try to rush home. The Lord may have retained someone who is in need of a company to share. I often feel that fellowship is an extension to share the joy of the Eucharist. As every Jesus Youth’s life is based on joyful spirituality, we are obliged to share it wherever we are. This conviction makes me want to share my joy with others. 

I have never seen any of my prayer offerings go unnoticed by Jesus. He has given me many experiences in my life to ascertain it. I strongly believe that there is no other time in this world where I could feel loved, encouraged, healed, strengthened and corrected other than during the Holy Eucharist. 

When Holy Communion becomes a priority of life, all other things will fall in its place. From the wisdom of the saints, what has deeply touched me are the words of Saint Josemaria Escriva, When you approach the tabernacle remember that he has been waiting for you for 20 centuries.

Yes Jesus is still waiting for me because my presence matters to him a lot. I love you Lord!

O Sacrament most holy, 

O Sacrament divine! 

All praise and all thanksgiving, 

Be every moment thine.

Geetha Jose lives in Abu Dhabi, UAE with her husband and four children.