Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lusaka (Fides Service)- “The Holy Father invited us to celebrate the Year of the Eucharist, from October 2004 to October 2005, a favourable time to deepen our understanding of the sacrament of the Eucharist” the Catholic Bishops of Zambia write in a Pastoral “Stay with us Lord…” dated Holy Thursday March 24.
To understand the value of the Eucharist the Bishops focus on the example of the disciples at Emmaus (Lk 24, 13-15): “Like the two disciples of the Gospel we are on a journey of discipleship. Jesus walks by our side, he joins us in our fears, our doubts and disappointments. He asks us the same questions: what are you talking about? What are you worried about? Jesus knows there is sadness, resignation, even despair among the people these days. Too many people around us are crushed by anxiety and problems of survival, and the weakest and most powerless among us appear to have so little hope!”.
“Some people feel cut off from the community for various reasons: their social and cultural background, a prolonged sickness, degrading poverty, imprisonment, etc. Others feel their community is not caring, compassionate and life giving enough” the Bishops write.
To solve these problems the Bishops say the first thing to do is to make a self examination: “As we walk along on our faith journey, do we talk about the things that really touch our lives? Are we open and free in our Christian communities and organisations to speak about the things we carry in our minds and hearts? Do we offer hope and encouragement, believing that Jesus continues to walk at our side as a travelling companion??”.
Following the Gospel passage the Letter dwells on Jesus’ teaching as he reveals his identity to his disciples after explaining to them the Scriptures which announce his death and resurrection after breaking bread with them, the sign given at the Last Supper. Referring to the Catechism of the Catholic Church the Letter says “The Eucharist is the summit toward which all the Church’s action is directed…In the Eucharist we come together to praise God, to share in the sacrifice of Christ and to be transformed into true disciples of Jesus. The Eucharist is also the source from which comes all our strength: it is from the Eucharist that God’s life comes to us”.
“Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, during this Year of the Eucharist we invite you to go out and share the good news that life is stronger than death, that good can prevail over evil, and that we are not alone in our struggles May Mary - the “woman of the Eucharist” - help us to rediscover this great gift Jesus left us, as the food and strength for our daily lives. And may we heed her invitation to “do whatever he tells you” (John 2,5) becoming more and more a true community of disciples.” the Bishops conclude.
The Church in Zambia will celebrate a National Congress Eucharistic from 15 to 17 July in Lusaka, capital of Zambia il (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 31/3/2005 righe 39 parole 477)
