In this sense I say the Eucharist makes the Church through contemplation. It is by staying still, in silence, and possibly for long periods, before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, that we perceive what he wants from us, put aside our own plans to make way for his, and let God's light gradually penetrate the heart and heal it. It's something like what happens to the trees in spring with the chlorophyll process. Green leaves sprout from the branches; these absorb certain elements from the air which, in the light of the sun, are "fixed" and become nourishment for the plant. Without these little green leaves the plant couldn't grow and bear fruit and would not contribute to regenerating the oxygen we ourselves breathe. We must be like those green leaves! They are a symbol of those Eucharistic souls who, contemplating the "Sun of Justice," Christ, "fix" the nourishment which is the Holy Spirit himself, to the benefit of the great tree, the Church. It is what St. Paul says in other words: "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness, from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit" (2 Cor 3:18).

The Eucharist: Our Sanctification
Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa

Reprinted from , a lay apostolate dedicated to renewing appreciation for the Mass as the greatest gift which God has given to His beloved spouse, the Church. Their mission is to show how, in the Eucharistic Liturgy, Jesus renews and transforms us–and the world–in His life and love.