Immaculate Heart of Mary in Candler Florida

Fr. Dave Zimmer: “I Just Can’t Live Without the Eucharist…”

An excerpt in a book on the early Church reveals the testimony of a prominent Roman citizen named Emeritus who was arrested with a priest named Saturnius and a group of Christians who came to his home. They were placed on trial for “getting caught” celebrating the Eucharist. The proconsul at the time interrogated Emeritus by accusing him that he knew full well the imperial prohibition of the people to participate in the “new way,” as it was called then. Celebrating the Eucharist was strictly forbidden!

“Why did you let them into your home knowing it was against the law?” the proconsul demanded.

To which Emeritus replied, “I had to.”

“But, why?” shouted the proconsul.

Emeritus then responded with the words that most likely sent him to his death: “I had to, because I can’t live without the Eucharist!”

Our commitment to live the stewardship way of life is to be committed to what is most fundamental to our Catholic life of the Church, and that is the Eucharist. How willing would we be to respond like Emeritus: “We just can’t live without the Eucharist”?

Immaculate Heart of Mary

Catholic Church

Candler, Florida

Fr. Dave Zimmer: “I Just Can’t Live Without the Eucharist…”