The Eucharist is the angels’ food; Angels: Day 312

Our Mass in our own parish church, says St. Athanasius, is already part of that great heavenly banquet that we will share with the angels.

This bread, my brethren, is the food of the righteous not just here, but in Heaven as well. It is not only the saints on earth who are nourished by such bread and such blood. We will also eat them in Heaven. The Lord is the food even of the exalted spirits; he spares them all according to his mercy. The Lord has already given us angels’ food. And this is what he promises those who continue with him in his trials: “I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:28-30).

What a banquet that is! How great the harmony and gladness of those who eat at that heavenly table! They delight themselves, not with food that is thrown away, but with the food that produces everlasting life. –St. Athanasius, Festal Epistle 8

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

When I approach the Eucharist to receive the food of angels, am I filled with harmony and gladness? Or do I still have lingering resentments against others who might be sharing the banquet with me?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, feed me with the food of the angels; let me share it now, and eternally with all the just in Heaven.