A Reflection from “What the Heart of Jesus Does and Says in the Tabernacle” by St. Manuel Garcia

The Heart of Jesus Is Giving the Greatest Love

Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

The great paintings, like grand spectacles, if they are to be truly appreciated, must be viewed from the right perspective. The Upper Room, where the institution of the Holy Eucharist takes place, and the Tabernacle where the Eucharist is stored to be consumed sometimes, but more often ignored, have three significant perspectives: the hill of Gethsemane, the corridor of Caiaphas’s courtyard, and the summit of Calvary.

From these three vantage points, the fate that awaits the greatest love of the Eucharist in the world can be seen so tragically. From Gethsemane, it is seen as abandoned; from Caiaphas’s courtyard, denied; from Calvary, crucified and cursed!

What Is the Greatest Love?

Jesus defined the greatest love among humans as the one that gives its life for its friends. The Eucharist is a much greater love, infinitely greater than the greatest human love.

The Eucharist is giving life for both friends and enemies, not just once, but countless times.

My Master, Jesus, may I extend Your definition of the greatest love? You said, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” except for the one who has instituted the Eucharist to give His life every day and every hour for His enemies, until the end of time!

Indeed, this is the greatest love perpetuated in madness!

How Is the Greatest Love Repaid?

Demons and their followers repay this greatest love of the Eucharistic Jesus with their greatest hatred. Do you know of any hatred that resembles the hatred of the wicked toward Jesus, His Church, and His institutions? It is a hatred with its own brand and a unique style.

From the devil’s perspective, this hatred is quite justifiable. After all, they have no greater enemy than Jesus. That is their payment. But is it just for Christians to repay Him, not with hatred, but with indifference or lesser love?

Is it not true that if love is to be repaid with love, the greater love of Christ should be repaid with the Christian’s greatest love? In other words, with love even unto sacrifice and for all of life?

If the love that Jesus has for me is Host-like love, should I not strive and prepare to be His Host of love?

If Jesus is my Host every day and every hour, should I not aspire and prepare to be his host every hour and every day?