Pope Leo XIV invited reflection on the word “prepare,” emphasizing its significance in the Christian journey toward the Eucharist, both in liturgy and in life’s daily moments
Newsroom (06/08/2025 Gaudium Press) At his first Wednesday General Audience of August, Pope Leo XIV invited the faithful to reflect on the word “prepare,” emphasizing its profound significance in the Christian journey toward the Eucharist, both in liturgy and in life’s daily moments. Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff explored the mystery of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection, drawing from Mark’s Gospel to underscore the deliberate and loving preparation inherent in God’s plan.
A Call to Conscious Preparation
Quoting the apostles’ question in Mark’s Gospel—“Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?”—Pope Leo highlighted their awareness of an imminent, significant event. Jesus’ response, directing them to a man carrying a jar of water who would lead them to a prepared room, revealed a deeper truth. “Everything has already been prepared ahead of time,” the Pope explained, noting that Jesus’ arrangements for the Passover reflect a conscious choice rooted in love, not a spontaneous act. “True love is not the result of chance, but of a conscious choice,” he said, offering comfort in the intentionality of Christ’s sacrifice.
This preparation, Pope Leo stressed, extends to each individual. The “room already prepared” symbolizes the space God has crafted in every heart, waiting to be recognized and filled with His love. “Before we realize we need to be welcomed, the Lord has already prepared a space for us where we can recognize ourselves and feel we are His friends,” he said.
Grace and Freedom in Preparation
The Pope emphasized that while Jesus prepared the Passover, He still invited the apostles to participate, teaching that “grace does not eliminate our freedom, but rather awakens it.” This interplay of divine grace and human responsibility calls the faithful to actively prepare for communion with God, both in the Eucharist and in everyday life.
Pope Leo urged the faithful to prepare for this “supper” by removing obstacles—such as unrealistic expectations or excessive demands—that hinder spiritual growth. He cautioned against conflating preparation with illusion, noting that illusions distract while true preparation guides. Jesus exemplified this by preparing a “communion supper” for His disciples, even amidst their misunderstandings and Judas’ betrayal.
Preparing for the Eucharist in Daily Life
Beyond the liturgy, Pope Leo encouraged the faithful to see the Eucharist as a daily practice of thanksgiving. “We too have a supper to prepare,” he said, calling for readiness in life’s ordinary moments—whether taking the first step toward reconciliation, listening more attentively, or letting go of expectations for others to change. This preparation, he assured, is not a solitary endeavor. “We will discover we are surrounded by signs, encounters, and words that guide us toward that room, spacious and already prepared,” he said, where God’s infinite love sustains and precedes us.
The Pope’s message resonated with the pilgrims, offering a timeless reminder that preparing for communion with God is both a sacred duty and a daily invitation, woven into the fabric of Christian life.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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