"The Eucharistic mystery stands at the heart and center of the liturgy since it is the fount of life by which we are cleansed and strengthened to live not for ourselves but for God and to be united in love among ourselves"

The words of Pope Paul VI emphasize the profound significance of the Eucharist in the life of the Church and every believer. The Eucharist is depicted as the very core, or “heart and center,” of Christian worship, not merely one aspect among many, but the wellspring from which all authentic liturgical activity flows. Central to this understanding is the belief that the Eucharist is not just a ritual or symbolic act, but a living “mystery”: an encounter with Christ himself, truly present and offering the gift of his life.

By calling it “the fount of life,” the text points to the transformative power attributed to the reception of the Eucharist. It bestows grace upon those who partake, cleansing and renewing them. In traditional Catholic thought, this cleansing is a reference to the forgiveness of venial sins and the inner healing provided by Christ’s presence. Beyond purification, the Eucharist imparts strength, spiritual nourishment that equips believers to rise above self-centered living. Such support is indispensable in the Christian journey, where the call is to abandon egotism and devote oneself wholly to God’s will.

Through participation in the Eucharistic mystery, believers are not only reconciled with God but also drawn into a deeper fellowship with one another. The Eucharist is inherently communal; it is the meal that unites the faithful as one body in Christ. This shared participation builds bonds of love, overcoming divisions and fostering unity within the Church. The assertion that we are to be “united in love among ourselves” reflects the ancient Christian conviction that Eucharistic communion is both vertical, uniting with God, and horizontal, uniting with the community. Thus, the celebration and reception of the Eucharist is presented as the source and summit of the Church’s life: the point from which all Christian living flows forth and the ultimate expression of the Church’s identity as a people redeemed and joined together in Christ’s self-giving love.