Reflecting on the theme of the National Eucharistic Congress, from the Gospel of John “Remain in Me,” Pope Francis’ special envoy to the event highlighted Jesus’ mission as a gift from the Father. “Jesus is sent to be given by the Father to others,” Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle said during his homily, and he explained that the Eucharist encapsulates this gift, as Jesus offers His body and blood for the life of the world. The Cardinal, who is the Pro-Prefect for the Section of Evangelization of the Dicastery for Evangelization, celebrated Holy Mass at the National Eucharistic Con-gress in Indianapolis, Indiana, that concluded on Sunday, July 21.
He challenged the faithful to see their own lives and the world through the lens of gift rather than mere achievement.” Do we still look at ourselves, persons, objects, work, society, events, and creation within the horizon of gift?” he asked, warning that losing this perspective leads to self-absorption and a lack of missionary zeal.
Cardinal Tagle addressed the difficult reality of disciples who abandoned Jesus, as narrated in the Gospel of John, chapter 6, and he invited introspection on whether the Church’s actions some-times contribute to this departure.
“Is it possible that we disciples contribute to the departure of others from Jesus?” he asked, urging a deeper engagement with the Eucharist and its transformative power. He also highlighted the need to welcome those who feel marginalized, such as the poor, migrants, and the elderly, ensuring they feel part of the Church community. Cardinal Tagle said that those who choose to stay with Jesus must also be willing to be sent by Him. “We should not keep Jesus to ourselves. That is not discipleship. That is selfishness,” he stated, and he called on the faithful to share the love and compassion they have received from Jesus with the weary, the lost, and the divided.