When We Commune

He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood

abides in Me, and I in him (Jn.6, 56)

Christ is wholesomely present in the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist. When you approach the Great Mystery with a broken heart, Christ Himself is standing before you. And He is closer to you, and connected to you more than anyone visible around you. And we, in Christ, even though are  still strangers, all covered in dust, come to “the heavenly Jerusalem, to the spirits of just men made perfect”. This communication is provided to us by “Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant and the blood of sprinkling”, which purified them and is purifying us “from every sin” (Heb.12, 22-24).

Purified from everything earthly and idle, we approach those who have completed their earthly journey. Love does not die, it lives forever, and this love we have to those dear to us, who have departed, leaves a live connection with that world, which we strive for. A lot about the after life is hidden from us, but the  belief in immortality is stronger that any visible proof. And this gives us strength to endure separation with the departed ones, hoping for un-doubtful meeting after death and eternal union.

(Translated by Tatiana Rozzell from “Every Day is a Gift from God. Diaries of an Orthodox Priest”, author unknown)