The Eucharistic Path

By: St Peter Julian Eymard

Is it not true that charmed by the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we find ourselves drawn more and more to the Tabernacle where he keeps unceasing vigil, longing to bestow upon us his blessings and graces? Let us then, give ourselves up with all our hearts to the Divine attraction, for in Jesus alone is to be found all light, all strength, all consolation, and Jesus is there near us in his Eucharist. 

It is the purpose of this little rule to help those who are dear to the Heart of Jesus, to go to him more regularly and to leave his presence with greater benefits.

It will help you to live a Eucharistic life, and to develop it daily to greater advantage.

We have drawn up these simple rules for all, since Jesus wishes to see all his children gathered about his tabernacle, living by him and in him.

They are within the reach and practice of all.

The young child preparing in his innocent heart a dwelling for Jesus, will learn by them to pray better and to think of his dear Savior more frequently.

The young man or girl wishing to be faithful to the God of their first Communion and to the promises of that great day, will find there in the shelter where their faith and love, perhaps already attacked by the enemy, may be made secure, and faithful souls will learn to live at the feet of Jesus Sacramental and to draw from his Heart the grace to advance rapidly in the way of holiness. 

To those assailed by doubt and discouragement, absorbed by material cares and drawn into frivolous pleasures, the practice of these simple rules will be a source of strength; they will find therein the help of him who during his mortal life, commanded the winds and waves, death and Satan, and whose only desire in having his abode amongst us is to assure to us his merciful Heart in his Sacramental Presence in the Tabernacle, and to offer us a sure refuge. 

Let us learn to go there to him where his love keeps him in our midst, and let us say to ourselves: If our souls are weak, if our faith is tottering, our prayers tepid, if we need courage, or are wanting in fervor and love, it is because we do not seek for the Remedy, there where it is to be found; that is to say, at the feet of that Jesus who on the roads of Judea healed all ills and who today living and glorified, is as merciful and as powerful as then, awaiting us in the Tabernacle to heal our souls and to strengthen, sanctify, guide and sustain us on the way to heaven. 

Let us then, embrace with good will these few, simple and easy practices, and let us not be discouraged if led away by the weakness of our human nature or the cares of business, we may have ill observed these rules, but let us rather return to them on the morrow with greater confidence. 

Let us return to them every day and take pleasure in reading them over and over. Let us carry them with us everywhere and constantly renew our desire to be faithful to them.

Above all — and these two points are absolutely essential for any Eucharistic life — never let any day pass without:

Firstly, going (if only in spirit) to lay our soul at the feet of Jesus present in the Tabernacle, to show him our miseries, as a gardener exposes a plant to the rays of the sun.

Secondly, reflecting for an instant in his presence and under his gaze, on the motives, which have induced him to dwell thus in our midst.

Let us beg him to enlighten our souls and make us understand what our true interests are, and what it is that he asks of us.

Then we may be certain that Jesus will bless us with that powerful benediction which has made saints.