The Holy Eucharist is a sacrament of unity because it unites the faithful more closely with Jesus and with one another.

By receiving the Body and Blood of the Lord in the Holy Eucharist, we are taken up into a close union with Him and with one another. In this sacrament, the unity of all those who believe in Jesus is not only shown but is also accomplished. This is what St. Paul meant when he wrote, “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread” (1 Corinthians 10:17).

As our Lord draws us to Himself, He brings us closer to one another. As Israel’s sacrificial meals united them as a nation, so the Eucharist unites us as God’s family, making the Church one. Thus, the Holy Eucharist, when received in faith and in the state of grace, brings about gradual changes within the hearts of Christ’s faithful. It transforms us and makes us more like Christ, Who dwells in us.

Since the Eucharist makes us one in Christ, it strengthens our love and respect for one another. Having been nourished by the Lord Himself, we should, with an active love, strive to eliminate all prejudices and obstacles to brotherly cooperation with others. We eat It in order to be able to sacrifice ourselves for our neighbor’s good. As the Eucharist inspires us with the memory of Christ’s Passion and Death, when He offered His Body and Blood for our Salvation, so, when we eat this Bread of Life, we, too, will be able to practice charity.