How the Eucharist prepares us for heavenly glory

Jesus gave us the Eucharist not only as "food for the journey," but also as a way to prepare us for ultimate union with him for all eternity.

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The Eucharist is a profound gift to the Church that helps sustain our faith here on earth, uniting us in a unique way to Jesus Christ.

At the same time, the Eucharist is a “pledge of future glory,” preparing our hearts for our ultimate destination.

Heavenly glory

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains how the Eucharist is an anticipation of the union we will experience in Heaven:

In an ancient prayer the Church acclaims the mystery of the Eucharist: “O sacred banquet in which Christ is received as food, the memory of his Passion is renewed, the soul is filled with grace and a pledge of the life to come is given to us.” If the Eucharist is the memorial of the Passover of the Lord Jesus, if by our communion at the altar we are filled “with every heavenly blessing and grace,” then the Eucharist is also an anticipation of the heavenly glory.
CCC 1402

Even Jesus alluded to this eschatological dimension of the Eucharist at the Last SupperL

At the Last Supper the Lord himself directed his disciples’ attention toward the fulfillment of the Passover in the kingdom of God: “I tell you I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Whenever the Church celebrates the Eucharist she remembers this promise and turns her gaze “to him who is to come.” In her prayer she calls for his coming: “Marana tha!” “Come, Lord Jesus!” “May your grace come and this world pass away!”
CCC 1403

The good news is that while Jesus’ presence is veiled in the Eucharist, this veil will be lifted when we meet him in the eternal embrace of Heaven:

The Church knows that the Lord comes even now in his Eucharist and that he is there in our midst. However, his presence is veiled. Therefore we celebrate the Eucharist “awaiting the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ,” asking “to share in your glory when every tear will be wiped away. On that day we shall see you, our God, as you are. We shall become like you and praise you for ever through Christ our Lord.”
CCC 1404

Whenever we attend Mass and receive Holy Communion, we should keep this in mind, waiting patiently for the day when we will see Jesus as he truly is and rest joyfully in his love.