7 Secrets of the Eucharist is a 2024 book written by Vinny Flynn. It is highly readable and only 133 pages long. Cardinal George Pell described it as a “must-read.” By reading this book, Catholics will enhance their Mass-going experience; hence, the book should only be of interest to the two billion-plus Catholics in the world. In this article, we will reveal the 7 Secrets of the Eucharist, though you should read the book. Will you read it?
Summary of 7 Secrets of the Eucharist
These are the 7 Secrets of the Eucharist; each secret has a corresponding quote in the book those are listed as well.
SECRET #1 – THE EUCHARIST IS ALIVE
Jesus is truly alive in the Eucharist!
“Under the consecrated species of bread and wine, Christ himself, living and glorious, is present in a true, real, and substantial manner” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1415).
In 1916 at Fatima, an angel, a pure spirit, who lives constantly in the intimate presence of God, prostrated himself before the Eucharist in adoration.
SECRET #2 – CHRIST IS NOT ALONE
Christ is never alone when He is in the Eucharist body, blood, human soul, and divine nature (that is what Catholics say about every morsel of bread and wine). No wonder He said, “The kingdom of heaven is within you” (Luke 17:21).
SECRET # 3 – THERE IS ONLY ONE MASS
Mass is taking place in heaven all the time. Jesus invites us to enter in and lifts us up, into heaven. The Mass is heaven on earth.
“Oh, what awesome mysteries take place during Mass! … One day, we will know what God is doing for us in each Mass and what sort of gift He is preparing in it for us. Only His divine love could permit that such a gift be provided for us” (St. Faustina 914)
SECRET #4 – THE EUCHARIST IS NOT JUST ONE MIRACLE
“What miracles! Who would ever have imagined such? … If the angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion.” ~ St Maximilian Kolbe
“At the words of consecration, there occurs a course of resplendent miracles, each more marvelous than a world’s creation out of nothing. “~ Fr. Frederick Faber
SECRET #5 – WE DON’T JUST RECEIVE
“The Eucharist involves more than just receiving; it also involves satisfying the hunger of Christ. He says, “Come to me.” He is hungry for souls. Nowhere does the Gospel say: “Go away,” but always “come to me.” ~ Mother Teresa of Calcutta
SECRET #6 – EVERY RECEPTION IS DIFFERENT
My spiritual disposition before, during, and after receiving the sacrament will determine whether the sacrament will produce good fruit in me (in varying degrees), have no effect at all, or result in my condemnation (cf. 1 Cor 11:27-29).
SECRET #7 – THERE’S NO LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF TIMES WE CAN RECEIVE
Since we get the graces of the Eucharist in proportion to our spiritual condition, our desire to unite with God does not limit God’s graces we receive. Spiritual Communion is when we invite God to do what He wants to do: to come into our hearts with all of heaven and lift us beyond the veil into the eternity of His love.
“The manner of receiving this sacrament is twofold, spiritual and sacramental” ~ St Thomas Aquinas
There is a conclusion to the book on Eucharistic adoration. Flynn calls it “spending time with Jesus.” Eucharistic adoration is where Catholics kneel before the exposed Eucharist and pray. God talks to those praying at Eucharistic adoration. Some parishes have perpetual Eucharist adoration. Catholics sign up for that to ensure all hours are covered.
The Miracle of Transubstantiation
Transubstantiation is, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “the change of the whole substance of bread into the substance of the Body of Christ and of the whole substance of wine into the substance of the Blood of Christ”. It is a miracle, at least that is what Catholics believe. When you considered wars have been fought over this and millions have died, transubstantiation is one of the most important events in human history.
Conclusion
7 Secrets of the Eucharist is a good book that will be of interest to Catholics who want to enhance their Mass-going experience. It is highly recommended. It is interesting that the author, Vinny Flynn, is the Executive Director of the MercySong Ministries of Healing. He has written three books. The others are 7 Secrets of Confession and 21 Ways to Worship.
