I think I’ve always known that absence makes the heart grow fonder — i just didn’t realize I would feel that way, on tour deep in Texas, about Eucharist. We’ve been on the road now over a week with Gloriae Dei Cantores and I found myself about two days ago feeling a hole inside, and was surprised to find I was missing our church and longing for Eucharist. I’m not surprised to miss our church, but I love to travel. And honestly, I’m just not sure I’ve ever felt this yearning for Eucharist. Our Rule of Life calls Eucharist the “principal expression of worship” and “central to our life as a fellowship, and to each of us as individual members.” The placement of the altar in our church says that here is where we find our sustaining food for the journey — this act of receiving the body and blood of Christ is of utmost importance. So I am surprised, but maybe pleasantly so, that I feel a bit un-tethered without it. And then, today, we had Eucharist, in a quiet little hotel meeting room in Lubbock, TX. “The body of Christ, the blood of Christ” was heard as we held out eager hands, and the ultimate gift of love answered longing.
