In My Own Words: The Eucharist – In My Own Words-Alex J Nagem (c) (click for home page)

By: Alex J. Nagem © 4.1.2025

The following is from a witness I gave at my home parish, St. Michael Parish in Wheeling, WV.

What would be your witness if asked your thoughts on the Eucharist? What would you say about our Lord and Savior being present in the form of this small round wafer? How devoutly do you hold the Body of Christ in your hands? Can you stand in front of a group of people and proclaim your love and praise for God? Can you evangelize for God? I pray that you can.

My Witness:

Good evening. My name is Alex Nagem. I am honored and humbled that Fr. Carlos asked me to be the first speaker in this series on the Eucharist.

When I think of a response to the age-old question, what is the Eucharist, my first thought is the body, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. That is the quick answer, the textbook answer. The more personal response is a little longer, more meaningful on an individual level.

For me, the Eucharist is the overwhelming love, peace of mind, joy, and hope found nowhere else in this world. The Eucharist is the soap and water that will wash away my venial sins. It provides enlightenment for me to be more like Jesus in my daily life. The Eucharist is Jesus calling me with open arms to come to Him, no matter how good or bad my day or week may be. The Eucharist is Jesus reminding me that all will be okay. That all will be better. That He has taken care of everything. That He will provide me with all that I need, and He provides for me and my wife, Lori, in more ways than we can imagine or could ask.

I am so humbled by the majesty of His presence in the Eucharist, His forgiveness of my sins, and the gifts He provides me each day, that it brings me to my knees during Mass, and brings me to kneel and bow in front of the Eucharist as I reverently receive Him.

As I walk toward the altar to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, I am submitting to God’s will and letting Him know I will try my best to emulate His love toward everyone I meet. By receiving the Eucharist, I am freely giving myself to Jesus as Jesus freely gives himself to me.

For me, just touching the Eucharist is the closest we come to Heaven on earth.

Thank you for listening.

You are all remembered in my daily prayers, as I hope my wife and I are remembered in yours.

May God bless you all with every breath you take.