Fed by Love, Sent to Serve with Nina O'Connor | Eucharistic Encounters for Advent & Christmas

The Eucharist calls us to loving service, expanding love through acts of justice, compassion, and care, rooted in Christ’s enduring presence and nourishment.

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Experience a profound journey this Advent and Christmas season with "Eucharistic Encounters: Advent & Christmas Reflections on the Gift of the Eucharist." From the first Sunday of Advent through the Octave of Christmas ending on January 1st, immerse yourself in daily reflections that deepen your connection to the Eucharist and the heart of our faith.

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Each Sunday, join Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ, for an inspiring video reflection that sets the tone for the week ahead. Then, from Monday to Saturday, receive daily audio reflections from 27 diverse and insightful contributors, each bringing a unique perspective on the transformative gift of the Eucharist.

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Transcript

When I was six years old and in first grade at a large Catholic school, the pastor decided to move First Communion from second to first grade. We were thrilled because our teacher, a Dominican Sister, showed us her love for the Eucharist—and for us—each day. We were eager to receive the Lord.

On the day of First Communion, only parents or guardians were allowed to join their First Communicants at Mass due to overcrowding. My father was incapacitated, so my mother accompanied me. However, just before Communion, she became so ill she had to leave. Since we were seated alphabetically, I was with children and parents I didn’t know well. But my family at home and my teacher at school had taught me how loving Our Lord was, and I knew He was waiting for me. When the moment came, He welcomed me with such great love that I knew I would never be alone in life.

Over the years, He taught me that it’s not just about the two of us. After receiving the Eucharist, I still try to listen for the gentle voice of my faithful friend. Through the living Word of Scripture and Jesus’ real presence at Mass, He has taught me to be loving toward everyone if I want to be one with Him. This has been a lifelong lesson—one I often fail to learn. Still, I keep trying.

Honestly, staying in the Catholic Church has been difficult for me over the last couple of decades. Some parishes are unwelcoming, clericalism divides, a patriarchal system diminishes women, and pedophilia remains a problem, driving many away. Political maneuvering by so-called “Catholic” groups is disheartening. The Synod feels inaccessible to many of us who’ve tried to participate but are left out of the process. The chaos continues.

At the same time, I see an Episcopalian Church down the street that welcomes everyone, helps immigrants, educates those seeking citizenship, and believes their Eucharist is more than a symbol—it’s Jesus. Their pastor and his wife live as a beautiful example of faithful love. They ordain women and much more. Ah, the grass seems so much greener.

So why do I stay in the Catholic Church instead of going down the street or leaving religion altogether? It’s the faith handed down to me by people who witnessed to Jesus’ real presence, facing life’s hardships without losing faith, joy, hope, or love. My first experience of being loved beyond imagination was at my First Communion, and I continue to find strength in the Eucharist. It’s where I go for nourishment. My reasoning is personal and simple.

What Jesus calls us to is simple as well. During Advent, we reflect on His Incarnation and ponder His coming again—however one believes that may happen. How can we prepare for that time? Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you welcomed me; naked, and you clothed me; ill, and you comforted me; in prison, and you visited me.”

When we open our hearts to Jesus, our love expands because we are loved. We can no longer hold onto homophobia, hate for immigrants, or policies that marginalize the poor. We cannot justify building nuclear stockpiles or supporting greed and overconsumption. Instead, we can feed the hungry, open our hearts to others, let prisoners teach us about freedom, and care for the Earth. We can do countless good things with our brothers and sisters everywhere, in communion—not alone. Jesus assured me I will never be alone, but He asks that I let others know that same love.

Everyone needs to feel safe in His love—safe when they can’t pay the next bill, when their bodies hurt, when they care for a sick baby, or when war devastates their lives. Safe enough to keep hoping and working in love for all.

Such work requires energy—the kind I gratefully receive in the Eucharist, nourishment from Love Himself.