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In this article I offer some reflections on the Eucharist in the Vincentian tradition. Following a methodology I have used on many other occasions, I will divide these reflections into three parts:

• The Eucharist in the life and writings of St. Vincent
• Some horizon shifts between the 17^th and 20th centuries
• Some reflections, in a Vincentian context, on the Eucharist today

Within our Family, we often cite the saying of St. Vincent: “Love is creative even to infinity.” Ordinarily, we use this citation to motivate others to be creative pastorally, to respond to new forms of poverty, to be inventive in new formation programs for lay leaders and for the clergy, to investigate ways of rooting out the causes of poverty. But apt as this rhetorical use of Vincent’s words might be, their actual context was quite different. They refer to the institution of the Eucharist. Vincent, in speaking to a dying brother in 1645, exhorted him to think of God’s mercy. After describing many of the signs of God’s tender love, he told the brother that Jesus, foreseeing his death, did not want to leave his followers alone. He feared that in his absence their hearts would grow cold. And so, he tells the brother, “since love is creative even to infinity … he instituted this venerable sacrament which serves as food and drink for us … Because love is eager to do everything it can, he so willed it.”

•  Introduction
• 2 The Eucharist in the Life And Writings of St. Vincent
  • 2.1 The Eucharist is the center of “religion” and of “devotion.”
  • 2.2 The Eucharist involves praise and thanksgiving.
• 3 Some Horizon Shifts Between the 17th and 20th Centuries
  • 3.1 Modern scriptural studies.
  • 3.2 The liturgical movement.
  • 3.3 Ecumenical dialogue.
• 4 Some Reflections, in a Vincentian Context, on the Eucharist Today
  • 4.1 Gathering in the Spirit.
  • 4.2 Recalling God’s saving acts in word and sacrament.
  • 4.3 The great commemorative prayer of thanksgiving and intercession.
  • 4.4 Memorial of Jesus’ sacrificial death.
  • 4.5 Communion in Christ’s body and blood.
  • 4.6 A community sent out especially to the poor.
• 5 Notes

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