Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, technology, sex or food, many in the world struggle with an addiction – a disordered desire that puts one at risk for letting the “heightened act” lead our lives. I remember years ago a conversation I had with my Spiritual Director who helped me to understand better the pull of “self-satisfaction” and “will-weakness” versus desired godliness.

We all know we should feed our body with goodness but we often choose the opposite. The results don’t give the strength or peace we seek and the benefit is short lived. Yes, it may taste, look, and feel good, and it is what you had desired, but it leaves you weaker and yearning for more because it really isn’t satisfying.

Now instead of the addiction and it’s control, let’s consider an opposite – a true and good desire that satisfies and sustains – something as simple as attending and participating in holy mass. Eating from the banquet table of the Eucharist is life sustaining, filled with growth and offers more positive, long lasting attributes. Temptation to go through the motions is present – being distracted or daydreaming can and often does happen. But when you choose from the banquet table alone – or the greater good – you will is stronger. This meal will fortify you, fill your bodily desire and sustain you. How is this so, you might ask. You may think I go up, receive, and nothing else happens. But I challenge you – do you really know who is entering into your body? With alcohol, drugs, food, technology and sex, you know precisely what is entering your body. You receive a physical change.

If that isn’t happening with the Eucharist – the real body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ, then what are you receiving is not the fullness it offers to you. All the other addictions – they flow in and out of your body and disappear. You are left with an empty cavern. But when Jesus fills you, you are consumed by him as much as you are consuming him. He is the ultimately desired meal, life sustaining and satisfying. He will fill up that weak spot – the addiction – with himself and make you whole. But you have to give it over to him – leave it with him and choose him over the addiction. He begs you to give it away – it wasn’t yours to begin with – and his gifts are much better than anything found in this world.

A word of caution: don’t get too caught up in the measurement of degree of meeting Jesus in the Eucharist. Put your mind on him, believe what you are consuming and he will take care of the rest. Many graces are achieved while we’re working on that surrender. Obedience through attending daily masses, going to adoration, doing acts of charity and making extended times of prayer all work together to bring you to recognize our Lord in the Eucharist – to know who is coming into our bodies and how good it is and draw you away from the disorder addiction. Take that moment upon consumption to fully acknowledge him – saying yes Jesus – come into me, make me whole – healthy – and satisfied with your living water. I don’t need anything but you. Take my addiction and leave me only with you.

Lastly, consider writing out a statement of belief – and be prepared to what you really want – and review it often. We are a work in progress – there’s no one and done. Be assured you will be challenged too. But he already knows this and still loves and wants to draw you close. Will you let him in?

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