“If in our time Christians must be distinguished above all by the ‘art of prayer’, how can we not feel a renewed need to spend time in spiritual converse, in silent adoration, in heartfelt love before Christ present in the Most Holy Sacrament? How often, dear brothers and sisters, have I experienced this, and drawn from it strength, consolation and support!” –St. John Paul II
This beautiful quote of Pope St. John Paul II in his Encyclical Letter, “Ecclesia de Eucharistia”, gives us a profound insight into his ardent love for the Most Holy Eucharist. This Eucharistic love was the furnace and source by which he was able to reach countless souls, who saw in him a reflection of Christ Himself. John Paul II was a man with a genuinely grateful and joyful heart. As St. Paul tells us, “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” (Hew. 12:28) It is by gratitude that we reflect the Face of God.
Having an unceasingly thankful heart allows us to appreciate the daily blessings that the Good Lord bestows on us and, therefore, see His loving Providence in our lives. Our good friend of happy memory, Deacon Bill Steltemeier, always had the words, “Thank you, Jesus”, upon his lips. It was infectious! Gratitude begets gratitude. Deacon Bill’s many hours spent “in spiritual converse, in silent adoration, in heartfelt love before Christ present in the Most Holy Sacrament” manifested itself in the whole of his life—a grateful and joyful life completely animated by his love for the Eucharist.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving (“Eucharist” means “Thanksgiving”), know that you are part of our family and the Family of God and His Church and have the ultimate Friend in the Eucharistic Lord Jesus. He waits for each of us as a Prisoner of Love! He longs to pour out on us His many graces and blessings! Rest assured that you continue to remain in our daily thoughts and prayers before the Most Holy Eucharist. Please continue to remember us in yours, as well. It is by your prayers and support that we are able to carry out the mission Our Eucharistic King has lovingly and generously laid at our feet at this time in the history of His Church—a mission of valiant, knightly and radical love for Jesus, truly present in the Holy Eucharist. May the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament, be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Amen.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Knights of the Holy Eucharist
