In this Easter reflection, Fr. Mariano invites us to contemplate the profound connection between the Eucharist and Stewardship. As we gather at the banquet of the Risen Lord, we are reminded that Christ’s self-gift calls us to offer our own lives: our time, talent, and treasure.

“At the time he was betrayed and entered willingly into his Passion, he took bread and, giving thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples…,” are the words that lead to the Institution Narrative in the Eucharistic Prayer of the Church (Eucharistic Prayer II), which we often refer to as the “consecration.” The mass is the banquet of the Resurrected Lord. While, historically speaking, the Institution of the Eucharist takes place before the Passion, the Church stands with Christ risen from the dead as we remember these words.

It is especially fitting during the Easter Season, to be mindful that at each mass we are dining with the Risen Christ and His people. Furthermore, we aspire to participate fully and eternally in the heavenly banquet of the Risen Lord when our journey on earth ends.

The Lord entered his “paschal mystery” (dying and rising) through a ritual of gratitude of his Jewish ancestors. Jesus chooses to offer his life for the salvation of the world within the Jewish Passover (his “self-offering” is fulfilled on the cross). In this sacred ritual meal, the gifts of the earth were taken, given thanks for and shared. At the Last Supper, as Jesus shares bread and wine, he is no longer sharing the gifts processed by human hands. He is now sharing his own body and blood under the guise of bread and wine. Furthermore, as we participate in the Eucharist of the Risen Lord, he gives us his resurrected body and blood as food for eternal life. Saint Augustine said that “we become what we receive” (Easter Sermon 277). We are certain that we will be raised on the last day as the Lord promised (John 6:54), in order to become a gift for others as He has.

Participating in the Eucharist during the Easter season, with this awareness, is an opportunity to reflect on the spirit behind our stewardship. First of all, let us recall that “stewardship” entails the sharing of our “time, talent and treasure.” In sharing the gifts we have, we are actually sharing our own wounded and healed person with others. Jesus reminds us that as we make an offering of ourselves to the “least of these” we offer ourselves to Him (Matthew 25:40). Yet we may also consider our offering as an action of solidarity with the offering of Jesus.

Like Jesus, we too undergo moments of suffering, death and new life. In our case, we undergo abandonment, abuse/neglect, rejection, illness, and the effects of sin (personal sin and the sin of the world). Yet, the grace of God allows us to begin anew, whether external circumstances change or not.

We offer ourselves “risen from death” and it is ultimately the resurrected Christ who makes a “self-offering” through us. This mystery is realized as the sick step forward to serve in ministries, the incarcerated share a word of consolation with other inmates, the afflicted lead the people of God in song and prayer, or as victims of violence find ways to advocate for peace in the family and community.

We die and rise with Christ, and with Him we offer our life.

For more information on Stewardship, please contact Karina Sandoval, at ksandoval@catholicfoundationelpaso.org or at 915-872-8412