Reflections from Eucharistic Revival
A week ago, I went to Eucharistic Revival at Christ Cathedral. It was an inspiring conference filled with so many graces — great speakers, an amazing praise and worship team, and fun company. At first, I did not have much interest in going to this conference. I went to Eucharistic Congress at the Los Angeles Cathedral last year, and I felt that I had a deep understanding of the Lord’s presence in the Eucharist. I wasn’t particularly ecstatic about the idea of paying for registration to a conference that would discuss the same type of things that I had already heard last year. So, I decided against registering…
Nevertheless, my best friend Adri encouraged me to sign up for a registration giveaway that was hosted by St. Hedwig’s. This parish wanted to sponsor several young adults to attend Eucharistic Revival. It was a simple google form, and I didn’t think much of it. I figured that the likelihood of getting free registration to this conference was relatively low. So, why not sign up and see what happens? It wouldn’t hurt me to try. But much to my surprise, I received a message that I was officially enrolled into the conference. It was a sign from God that He wanted me there. Even if I didn’t initially care to go.
Nuggets of Wisdom
I loved the lineup of speakers that came to Ever Ancient, Ever New. They were dynamic, engaging, and inspiring. My favorite talk was given by Sister Maria Goretti from the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. Her talk was titled “The Healing Love of the Sacred Heart.” She was incredible. I loved the authenticity of what she shared with us. Her talk was entirely unscripted. She just brought her little prayer journal to the stage and shared the words that came to her while she was praying in the chapel. She was so humble and motherly, and I clung onto every word that she spoke. Here are some of my favorite nuggets of wisdom that she shared in her keynote:
- Jesus’ heart is intent on bringing life in a place of death
- His heart is filled with compassion, tenderness, and mercy
- The Lord turns your wounds into a garden
- He wants to descend into your hell, and He wants your heart as it is
- Your feelings are not a gauge of the death of your prayer
- The Lord is asking you to believe that He is working
I carried a lot of these healing words with me to prayer — meditating and reflecting. It was nice to be reminded of the fact that the Lord is steadfast in pursuing my heart, even when His presence seems to be clouded by the mess of life. Sister Maria Goretti shared so many truths. Sometimes, the Lord is most present in darkness and death. Though it may be hard to see it, true faith is believing that He is working without proof that He is really there.
A Full Circle Moment
Just a little over a year ago, I went to the FOCUS Seek Conference at Christ Cathedral with a college friend. At that time, I felt a lack of community and wanted more young adults to walk alongside me. It was there where I asked the Lord to help me find the courage to cultivate a Young Adult community at my home parish. Through Father Mike Schmitz’s keynote talk, the Lord spoke to me and encouraged me to boldly say “yes” to the mission of building God’s kingdom.
Since the SEEK Conference, a lot has changed. I turned my “yes” into action and stepped into my role as a young adult leader. With lots of thought and care, I helped build St. Elizabeth Seton’s Young Adult Ministry — inspiring other young adults to boldly say “yes” to God too. Going to Eucharistic Revival at Christ Cathedral with the friends that I have made from ministry warmed my heart. I was back at the place where it all started. But this time, I was with the community that I dreamed of last year. Look at how far I have come. Last year, I felt defeated. This year, I feel fully alive. In adoration, I found myself sharing with the Lord the fruits of ministry. “Look, Father! Do you see my friends? We did it. Thank you for answering my prayers.” It nearly brought a tear to my eye.
Though I didn’t initially plan on going to Eucharistic Revival, I thank God that I did. It was a restorative, eye-opening, and memorable weekend. So, here’s to knowing that God is ever-so-present in the Eucharist. We must all strive to see the beauty of His self-sacrificial love and continue to imitate it daily.
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Emily
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