Reflections on the Eucharist Pope John Paul II General Audience September 27, 2000 Dear Brothers and Sisters, At the General Audiences of recent months, we have reflected on the glory of the Trinity which shines through the whole of creation and redemption. Today we begin a series of reflections on the Eucharist, in which God reveals his glory in a mysteriously great yet humble way: great because it is the principal form of Christ’s presence among us, and humble because Christ appears under the ordinary and everyday signs of bread and wine. In the Old Testament, God’s glory is revealed in the order of creation and in the history of Israel. In the New Covenant, the fullness of God’s glory is revealed in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, and especially in his Passion, Death and Resurrection. In the Eucharistic sacrifice, the saving mystery of Christ is made present, and its life-giving power is communicated to the faithful. We are called to respond to the gift of the Eucharist by offering our entire lives to God in a spirit of thanks , and obedience. I warmly welcome the Jubilee pilgrimages from the Dioceses of Sioux Falls, led by Bishop Robert Carlson; Providence, led by Bishop Louis Gelineau; Trenton, led by Bishop John Smith; and Portland, led by Bishops Joseph Gerry and Michael Cote. Upon all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors, especially those from England, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Denmark, the Philippines and the United States of America, I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.