Refresh and Renew

Lately I’ve been on a cleaning spree! Door knobs, window sills, nooks, crannies, and everything in between have gotten a major scrubbing. Soap, water, and polish can really refresh and renew a home.

Having a nice, clean place to live in feels good! I wish there were a way to clean out the controversies and confusions in society. What a mess! Don’t you feel like throwing up your hands, saying “Enough already!”?

Feeling downhearted by the swirling troubles in our world is not uncommon. Every generation has had challenges that seem greater than the challenges of previous generations. With all the tribulations affecting our lives and our faith, now is a good time to refresh and renew internally.

A Better Place

A revitalized relationship with our Lord certainly puts us in a better place for our daily living. In fact, our Lord came into the world to make all things new. “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you” [Ezekiel 36:26]. Our transformation comes in the Eucharistic encounter.

The Eucharist draws us into Jesus’ giving of himself—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. According to Pope Francis, the Eucharist is essential for us: it is Christ who wishes to enter our lives and fill us with his grace. Our Lord gives us exactly what we need to have courage in a time of discouragement.

Remember, discouragement is the devil’s tool. Being disheartened and dispirited can make a mess of our lives. However, our Lord’s cleansing grace in the Eucharist rejuvenates our faith, hope, and love.

Real Presence

We can partake in the Eucharist every day; thanks be to God. However, how often do we ask God to refresh and renew us? While I receive Holy Communion each week when I attend Mass, I don’t always ask God for his grace. I take it for granted. Truthfully, when I take something for granted, I tend to lose sight of it.

Therefore, better to ask to be transformed—refreshed and renewed—through Christ our Lord. Asking helps to heighten our awareness of our Lord’s presence. Otherwise, we may lose sight of our Savior in our lives. It appears many already have.

In response, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recently launched a three-year grassroots Eucharistic Revival. The goal is to rekindle love and understanding of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The Revival comes as we face increasing disarray in society.

What Can We Do?

When we receive the Holy Eucharist, humanity and divinity unite within us. The Eucharist augments our union with the Lord, separates us from sin, and strengthens our charity. The Blessed Sacrament cleanses us from past sins and preserves us from future sins.

How we respond to what our Lord gives to us is up to each of us. We are meant to use God’s graces daily, but do we? Honestly, if I focus my energies spiritually as I do with my housecleaning, I’d be in a much better place internally.

I just wish I could see the results as easily as I can see my home, refreshed and renewed. Therefore, “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up” [Galatians 6:9]. And may God help each of us make the best use of our time every day of our lives. Amen.