On Dec 9th, 1962, Pope John XXIII declared Peter Julian a Saint. He was declared a Saint, not because he was an extraordinary person but because he was an ordinary person with extraordinary love for the Eucharistic Lord, despite his own weaknesses and failures. His life style in particular influenced many priests and religious. They saw a bright spirit dwelling in Fr. Eymard’s life, and this was expressed by the bishops of Grenoble at that time. If he was an outstanding apostle of the Eucharist, it was because he was first of all its fervent adorer, an adorer in spirit and truth fully aware of the transcendence of the mystery and the depths of its love. Nevertheless in Fr. Eymard’s life story, we read that when he was a boy, he was often found close to the Tabernacle listening to Jesus. When he was eleven years old, he walked forty miles to visit a Marian shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, where he experienced Mary’s motherly care and patronage. We also read that when he was in his teens, he took a day’s walk to the next village, to receive the Sacrament of penance. Thus, he grew up in faith and embraced Jesus on the Cross.
In this context, I invite you to reflect upon one of the most favorite scripture passages of Fr. Eymard, which is taken from the letter of St. Paul to the Galatians: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (2:20). It is said that Fr. Eymard, in his preaching and reflections, made reference to this scripture quote more than 178 times. By having close access to this passage, Fr. Eymard wanted to come to an inner revolution, have a real change of command in his heart. He was convinced that he would no longer be master of his own destiny, but it was Jesus, the Eucharistic Lord who would lead his life and he would confide all things to him, great and small, sad and joyful. Fr. Eymard’s godly experience was very enriching. He lived a simple life but his faith was deep and very steadfast. His love for the Eucharistic Lord was very strong. This is what he said in 1865: “It is as if my Saviour said through Communion you will live for me, for I shall be living in you. I will fill your soul with my desires and with my life which will consume and reduce to nothing, whatever is only personal to you, so much so that it will be I instead of you, that shall live and shall desire everything in you. Thus, you will be entirely clothed with me: my heart will beat with your body; my soul will act through your soul. Your heart will be he receptacle and the pulsation of my heart.” This statement shows how Fr. Eymard was rich in spirit. He was deeply convinced that it was no longer he who lived but Christ, who lived in him. Moreover Fr. Eymard surrendered his total being to be led by the merciful Lord. Meditating on these thoughts, we shall live and follow the Eucharistic Way of Life of our Founder.