"Our communities, when they celebrate the Eucharist, must become ever more conscious that the sacrifice of Christ is for all, and that the Eucharist thus compels all who believe in him to become 'bread that is broken' for others, and to work for the building of a more just and fraternal world." Source: Pope [...]
"The Eucharist is the heart and the summit of the Church's life, for in it Christ associates his Church and all her members with his sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving offered once for all on the cross to his Father; by this sacrifice he pours out the graces of salvation on his Body which is [...]
"The celebration of this sacrament is called a sacrifice for two reasons. First, because, as Augustine says (Ad Simplician. ii), 'the images of things are called by the names of the things whereof they are the images; as when we look upon a picture or a fresco, we say, 'This is Cicero and that is [...]
"Just as Moses in striking the rock in the desert made water flow from it to quench the thirst of the Jews, so the thorns and nails which pierced the flesh of Christ, the scourges which tore it, have opened an inexhaustible source of graces for Christian souls, which the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass [...]
"The Holy Mass consists of the words of Consecration. How wonderful it is! After the Consecration the good God is there as He is in heaven. If men really knew this mystery they would die of love. God has to spare us because of our weakness. The Holy Sacrifice is the same as that which [...]
"We have all seen men, and women, too, pass the whole night, even several in succession, playing at chess or cards; and what can be a more dismal, unwholesome thing than that? But the world has not a word to say against it, and their friends are nowise troubled. But give up an hour to [...]
"Jesus has always many who love His heavenly kingdom, but few who bear His cross. He has many who desire consolation, but few who care for trial. He finds many to share His table, but few to take part in His fasting. All desire to be happy with Him; few wish to suffer anything for [...]
"The Eucharist is the most perfect Sacrament of this union. By celebrating and also partaking of the Eucharist we unite ourselves with Christ on earth and in heaven who intercedes for us with the Father but we always do so through the redeeming act of his Sacrifice, through which he has redeemed us, so that [...]
"So, then, this sacrament benefits recipients by way both of sacrament and of sacrifice, because it is offered for all who partake of it… But to others who do not receive it, it is beneficial by way of sacrifice, inasmuch as it is offered for their salvation… And our Lord expressed both ways, saying (Mat. [...]
"Why do you look for rest when you were born to work? Resign yourself to patience rather than to comfort, to carrying your cross rather than to enjoyment." Source: Thomas a’ Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, Dover Thrift Editions, 1940.