Do you ever wonder what the early Christians were like? Do you ever wonder what they believed…and how similar or different our faith is today? 

Gaudentius of Brescia was one of the great early Christians. Although he never met Jesus, he lived only a few hundred years after His death. Gaudentius was a bishop in Italy and dedicated his life to spreading the faith, especially with his preaching. In fact, twenty-one of his sermons have survived, and you can still read them today. If you study his work, you’ll notice one amazing theme emerging: Gaudentius loved the sacraments—especially the Eucharist. 

In 2019, Pew Research released a study that found that just 31% of Catholics believe Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. There seems to be massive confusion and disengagement with this central aspect of our faith. Many see it as a symbol or a nice way to remember Jesus. Many aren’t sure what to believe. But when you study what the early Christians like Gaudentius of Brescia wrote, one thing becomes clear: the early Christians believed that the Eucharist was truly the Body and Blood of Jesus—and they were even willing to die for this truth.

What do you believe about the Eucharist? 

From the very beginning, the Eucharist has been a lightning rod, a point of contention and division. Regardless of what we have thought before or believe now, let us ask the Lord to open

our hearts, minds, and souls to a deeper understanding of the Eucharist today, and with each passing day for the rest of our lives. 

Why does this matter? 

Because Jesus waits for you in the Eucharist, in our tabernacles and monstrances, and on the altar at every Mass. His message to you is unmistakable. In a world where so many people feel unseen, unheard, and unworthy, Jesus generously proclaims: I see you. I hear you. I know you. You are worthy. I am with you. I care. I am yours. You are mine. And this is His invitation: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Go to Him. Seek out time in His presence. Allow His presence to transform you in ways unimaginable.



Feast Day: October 25 

Feast Day Shared By: Saints Crispin and Crispinian and Saints Chrysanthus and Daria