As you begin your retreat, pause for a few moments and focus your attention on your breathing. Take several slow, deep breaths. Be aware of God's loving presence within you.

1 Corinthians 11:26

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the LORD until he comes.

There are some things we can never be reminded of too often. In celebrating the Eucharist, we are reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It reveals the unconditional love the Father has for us. By proclaiming his death, we announce his love. By receiving the Eucharist we keep God's love before us. We are strengthened individually and communally to live our own journeys of dying and rising. The Eucharist is the high point of our lives as Christians. It nourishes us and unites all believers into the one body of Christ.

How can I announce Christ's love by proclaiming his death?

How has the Eucharist helped me through my personal experiences of dying and rising?

(Speak to Jesus using these words or words of your own.)

Jesus, Bread of Life, through your death on the cross you revealed the love of God for us. May your Body and Blood free me to share that love with others.