This reflection or meditation on the Eucharist (or Mass) compiles various speeches, homilies and official documents that Pope Benedict has delivered since his election in 2005.
In brief chapters (three to six pages long), the pope reflects on various aspects of the Eucharist - like Jesus is with us in a more intimate way than we can even imagine when we receive communion. He also reflects on how the Eucharist has been instrumental for various martyrs, who were asked why they gathered for the Eucharist even when it was legally forbidden.
The pope meditates on the place of Mary in the Eucharist and how she was the first tabernacle. He also looks at why we gather on Sunday to celebrate the Eucharist and how the Eucharist is the center of our community or Church life, a reminder of Jesus calling Christians to follow his example to be servants and not rulers.
The publisher provides sources for the chapters, and the reader can read more about the Eucharist using this “bibliography” as a jumping-off point. The hard-copy citation is given as well the Internet address where they can be accessed. Heart of the Christian Life is a great aid for Holy Hour devotions or other Eucharistic adoration periods and is highly recommended to readers for that purpose.