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The Way of Love for the Lord
Chapter 57. Eucharistic fast is the time for examining conscience. (September 22, 1982)
After the charismatic seminar ended, I returned to Naju. One day I attended Mass, where I saw a woman, who was a volunteer for the charismatic movement, still sitting in the pew even when it was time for Holy Communion. My heart began to ache, for I had a feeling that she did not receive the Eucharist not because of her sins but because she had not observed the Eucharistic fast. Even if she had made a mistake, she could have gone to confession, for the priest was available. I thought, ‘The Lord, out of His love for us, comes to us even to the extent of becoming our Food through the Paschal Mystery of the Last Supper. So, how unfortunate will it be, if she, who is a volunteer, serves others while not receiving the Eucharist herself by being fettered by laws, when she deserves It?’ After the Mass ended, I asked her, “Ma’am, may I ask you why you didn’t receive the Eucharist? Did you not receive It because less than an hour has passed since you had your meal?” She said that my guess was right. I asked her again, “You know the reason why we have to fast for at least one hour before Mass, don’t you?” She replied with a smile, “I think it is because we have to empty our stomachs before receiving Communion.” I felt anxious and asked the Lord in my heart, “Lord, what should I do? Would it be all right if I speak my mind?” The Lord replied to me, “Call a spade a spade. I am always with you.” Upon hearing the Lord’s answer, I said to her with courage. “Ma’am! To abstain from eating food for at least one hour before Mass is not for the purpose of digesting food. The Eucharistic fast is the time for us to examine our consciences as well as to prepare our hearts faithfully so that we may receive the Lord worthily. We receive Jesus in the Eucharist not only for our bodies alone but for both our souls and bodies. Therefore the purpose of the Eucharistic fast is to have time for examining conscience. The time for the Eucharistic fast used to be three hours, but now it has been reduced to an hour. When we have no other choice but to eat due to inevitable circumstances, I think it is also to practice love that we have that meal instead of refusing it. The more important thing is to reflect on ourselves regarding our possible mistakes before Mass so that we may clean our hearts and be worthy of receiving the Lord. Even when we find out small fault, we should accept it as ‘It is my fault!’, not ‘It is your fault!’ and make confession or ask the Lord for forgiveness and then receive the Eucharist. Jesus always wishes that we be united with Him and thus become one in the Holy Trinity.” While saying this, I felt embarrassed all of a sudden. So I said, “I am sorry. Please forgive this junior if you are offended by my pert remark.” Then Mrs. Maria Lee who came from Gwangju and who happened to be there slapped her thigh and said, “Wow, what you have said is truly right. Yes, that time is not for digesting food. There is an old saying that even an old man aged 80 has something to learn from a three-year-old child. That saying is truly right. I have never thought about it while working as a volunteer. I am so happy to hear it from you. I like it very much. Julia, thank you for enlightening me.” All those around us rejoiced too. At that time, I heard the kind, whispering voice of the Lord. “My little soul! I've laid down all of Myself to nurture My children with My Body and Blood and to be united with them. If they live with indifference by closing their hearts and pour their hearts only on bodily matters, how can I enter into their hearts and live there? However, if they make efforts to show love to their neighbors and seek Me anxiously longing to be united with Me with a truly loving heart, I will never refuse or turn away from them but let them stay in My love.”
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