Theological Foundations new file

70 Theological Foundations What is essential in spiritual transformation is the truth that the love of Christ who “having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end” (Jn 13, 1) is most fully realized in the Eucharist. In the Holy Eucharist His Body becomes united with our body. The spirit may not be able to comprehend all of this, but it can feel the love which is being dispensed so generously. For man, who is a helpless creature exposed to constant danger from himself, from the world and Satan, the Eucharist is the most effective weapon. It wipes away venial sins, gives strength, sustains life, stimulates growth, enlightens the mind and strengthens the will. It is also the source of virtues. Finally, it is nour- ishment for all, even the unworthy and imperfect, for those who do not feel the spiritual hunger or are very preoccupied. Jesus said: “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11, 28). 48 According toArchbishop George Matulaitis-Matulewicz, Christ’s call to conversion is directed first of all to those who dedicated themselves to the service of God in a special way. A person who left the world and entered a religious congregation, should not seek himself but Christ, not his own benefit but that of Jesus Christ (cf. Phil 2, 21). He should not be concerned with how to carry out his own intentions and realize acciden- tal or personal goals but concentrate his efforts only on how to be more pleasing to God and how to serve the Church better, according to Christ’s encouragement: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteous- ness, and all these things shall be yours as well” (Mt 6, 33). 49 In this spir- itual work one must constantly look to the suffering Jesus, offer Him his works, pain, distress and suffering — all this in the spirit of repentance for his own sins and the sins of the world. “Grant me, Lord, prays Father Matulaitis-Matulewicz, the spirit of repentance, so that I might suffer at least a little for all the great and grievous sins of my former life. Grant me, Lord, abundant tears that I might weep over my heavy and numer- ous transgressions.” 50 Father Matulaitis-Matulewicz gives these thoughts from his Spiritual Diary a legal form in his Constitutions and obligates the Marians to be