Fr Lombardi Editorial: The Eucharist and Globalisation

The Eucharist & Globalisation

This was the theme of Pope Benedict XVI’s reflections when he celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi last week. He described the Eucharist as “the dynamism that transforms reality in its cosmic, human and historical dimensions”. It is the dynamism of Love that originates in the Trinitarian life of God and reaches us through the heart of Christ. It is so strong that it overcomes divisions, attracts us to enter into communion with the life of God, opens up our individuality and frees us from self-centredness. The Eucharist is the concrete way through which this Love spreads in the Church and in the world. It is the source that constantly fuels the social presence of the Church and the responsible commitment of Christians “in building a coherent, just and fraternal society” – especially in this age of globalisation. We need to demonstrate true Love during this time of the growing globalisation of humanity so that it is not lost “in the chaos of individualism and injustice of everyone against everyone”.
During the celebration, the Pope prayed at length before the consecrated Host, which was then publicly displayed along the streets of Rome. “Without illusions, without ideological utopias”, he said, “we walk the streets of the world, carrying the Body of the Lord inside us…glimpsing the new world where peace and justice reign and where our true homeland lies”.
Human, historical and cosmic dimensions truly interweave and merge in the Faith. Eucharistic communion benefits everyone, it serves the good of the world, and allows everything to find meaning and salvation in the end.