Typically, we do not perceive ourselves as gifts bestowed upon the world. Instead, we view ourselves as workers, consumers, caregivers of families, leaders in communities, governments, and businesses. Consequently, we regard our responsibilities and obligations as cumbersome burdens that sap our joyful spirits. This perception often leads us to eagerly anticipate leisure and vacation times.
However, when we recognize ourselves or our lives as “gifts” given to the world, our attitudes undergo a transformation. We discover more significant meaning and purpose in our actions, alleviating the dread of each passing day. We begin to regard our work and the lives we lead as blessings, as gifts from God.
I acquired this insight while listening to Cardinal Luis Tagle’s homily at the Concluding Mass of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress held at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Addressing an energized congregation of 50,000 Eucharistic pilgrims by reflecting on the “Bread of Life” discourse from the Gospel of St. John, Cardinal Tagle emphasized that Jesus was sent into the world by His Father “to be a gift.”
“He is not merely sent to wander and enjoy Himself,” Cardinal Tagle affirmed. “He is sent to be given. The missionary is a gift. Mission is not solely about work but also about giving oneself. He declares, ‘This is my body for you; my blood for you.’ This gift is intended for you, not for me.”
Expanding on this, Cardinal Tagle elucidated, “If our horizon is only that of achievement, success and profit, there is no room to see and receive gratuitous gifts. There is no place for gratitude and self-giving. There will only be a relentless search for self-affirmation, that eventually becomes oppressive and tiring, leading to more self-absorption or individualism. And, when pessimism takes over, we see only darkness, failures, problems, things to complain about.”
Cardinal Tagle’s insights deepen our comprehension of the Eucharist. We receive Jesus in the Eucharist as a gift, and as recipients of this precious gift, we are called to venture into the world as Eucharistic missionaries. We are to regard ourselves and our roles in this world, including our vocations and careers, as “gifts” endowed with the Spirit of Jesus and the Gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit through the Sacraments of the Church.
In concluding his homily, Cardinal Tagle challenged the pilgrims with these words:
“Let us give a gift of presence to each other. Go to church. Go to Mass with the gift of your flesh, your singing voice, your sweats, your tears, your smiles. Jesus gives us his flesh. Why can we not give him and the community the gift of our fleshly presence? We have received the gift of Jesus. Let us go out to proclaim Jesus zealously and joyfully for the life of the world.”
The impact of Cardinal Tagle’s homily extended far beyond the confines of Lucas Oil Stadium, resonating with audiences across various social media platforms. Let us respond to Cardinal Tagle’s challenge. Let us regard ourselves and our lives, nourished by the Eucharist, as gifts meant to be shared with the world.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
