Cardinal Arinze: Eucharist Makes Christian Testimony Possible

The Eucharist is the strength that makes Christians witnesses of Christ to the point of sacrificing their lives, says Cardinal Francis Arinze.

This is what every Catholic, indeed every Christian, is called to - to be a martyr for Jesus Christ, a witness. This is why we must die to our own desires daily and conform our wills to His will and proclaim Christ, crucified and risen, even when it might be difficult or inconvenient for us.

Cardinal Arinze reminded the participants that the Eucharist sends us on a mission, either as lay faithful, consecrated individuals, or clerics.

"It is the Eucharist that makes it possible for the Church to give testimony of Christ; for martyrs to give their lives for Jesus; and for missionaries to go to distant lands to proclaim Christ," he said.

"It is the Eucharist that strengthens virgins to give witness of a consecrated and sacrificial love for Jesus; that enables priests to spend themselves so that Christ will be known, spouses to live conjugal life in an exemplary way, and lay faithful to take the spirit of Christ to different areas of daily life," the cardinal emphasized.

Zenit article here.

Speaking of Cardinal Arinze, I received my copy of Serra International Magazine yesterday which featured the keynote address by Cardinal Arinze at a recent Serra convention. I have yet to read it, but I can imagine that it is an excellent speech and look forward to reading it over the weekend.