The following is a small-snippet taken from the book, Beautiful Eucharist, by Matthew Kelly. The book is comprised of wonderful stories from various individuals who have been touched by the Presence of God, in the Eucharist. I recently promised to share a few of those inspiring stories with you; therefore, as we usher in the Advent Season I do hope it is the perfect opportunity to do so!

What I learned from a Muslim about the Eucharist by Peter Kreeft

Most Catholics probably don’t think they can learn anything about the Eucharist from a Muslim, or people of other faiths in general. This is the story of what I learned…

We do, said John.

Your Church teaches that He is really present there, yes? That what’s there is the man who was God?

Yes. The formula is ‘body and blood, soul and divinity.’

And you believe that?

Yes.

Isa made as if to say something, but stifled it. John assured him he would not be offended.

Finally, reluctantly, Isa said, I don’t understand.

Oh, I understand how you feel. It sounds very shocking to non-believers.

No, you don’t understand. That’s not what I mean. You will take it as an insult, but I don’t mean it to be.

I promise I won’t take it as an insult. But I really want to know what’s on your mind.

Well then…I don’t think you really do believe that, I don’t mean to say you’re dishonest, but…

I think I know what you mean. You can’t empathize with anyone who believes something so shocking. You don’t see how you could ever get down on your knees before that altar.

No, I don’t see how I could ever get up! If I believed that thing that looks like a little round piece of bread was really Allah Himself, I think I would just faint. I would fall at His feet like a dead man.

John looked carefully at my reaction as he reported Isa’s words. My eyes opened, and he smiled. “What did you say to him?” I asked.

“Nothing. Then, after a while, just ‘Yes.'”

John is a wise man.

Beautiful Eucharist, by Matthew Kelly

hugs n’ blessings for all the things we shall learn!