32. An Inner Emptiness

I do not want to departmentalize the Eucharist. All of its various elements interact. The best preparation is giving ourselves, after emptying ourselves of selfishness, so that there is room in our hearts to receive the Lord. From the very beginning of human existence, people have sought a cure or remedy for the inner emptiness that afflicted them. They did this by seeking fellowship with God. Frequently, this takes the shape of offering God an acceptable sacrifice. It is sometimes to atone for sin. It is also offered in gratitude for what God has done. It might even be rendered to heighten the worshipers's prayer for future requests. As in the Christian context, it may take the form of a religious meal in which communion with God is pursued.