Beautiful Eucharist

by Matthew Kelly (Editor), Jackie Francois Angel (Contributor), Michael Schmitz (Contributor)

Nothing will transform your life quite like a personal encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. When we encounter Jesus, he changes us in powerful and unexpected ways. He heals us, brings us peace and clarity, models how to relate with others, and teaches us the lessons we need to learn to navigate the everyday situations of our lives. In the Eucharist, we meet with the same Jesus who healed the blind, forgave sins, and rose from the dead. Are you ready to discover how he can transform your life too?

Beautiful Eucharist is a stunning collection of life-changing reflections about Jesus truly present in the Eucharist and wonderfully present in our lives.

The world needs the healing and hope only Jesus can provide. He is waiting in the Eucharist to transform families, Churches, communities, and the culture as a whole. And all of that begins with your own life-changing encounter with him today.

Beautiful Eucharist is an invitation to encounter the life-giving presence of Jesus in the Eucharist so you can be a life-giving presence in the world.
(from the publisher and on the back cover)

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Faith, Christian, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christianity

126 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2023

About the author

Matthew Kelly is a best-selling author, speaker, thought leader, entrepreneur, consultant, spiritual leader, and innovator.

He has dedicated his life to helping people and organizations become the-best-version-of-themselves. Born in Sydney, Australia, he began speaking and writing in his late teens while he was attending business school. Since that time, 5 million people have attended his seminars and presentations in more than 50 countries.

Today, Kelly is an internationally acclaimed speaker, author, and business consultant. His books have been published in more than 30 languages, have appeared on The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller lists, and have sold more than 50 million copies.

In his early-twenties he developed "the-best-version-of-yourself" concept and has been sharing it in every arena of life for more than twenty-five years. It is quoted by presidents and celebrities, athletes and their coaches, business leaders and innovators, though perhaps it is never more powerfully quoted than when a mother or father asks a child, "Will that help you become the-best-version-of-yourself?"

Kelly's personal interests include golf, music, art, literature, investing, spirituality, and spending time with his wife, Meggie, and their children Walter, Isabel, Harry, Ralph, and Simon.

Reviews

[Mariah Byrnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I expected. It's a short read and provides some apologetics for the real presence of the Eucharist. It made some solid points and was a good read, but this book probably won't provide anything the average Catholic reader hasn't heard a few times already. I am glad I took the time to read this, though, and receive some important reminders that are always good to hear!

[Kathleen Abrams · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book…would recommend to anybody! Beautiful Eucharist really explains the Real Presence, and it gives so many anecdotes that make me so grateful to live in America where I can freely practice my faith. Also, this book made me realize how fortunate I am to live 1 block away from STM, where I have 24 hour access to the chapel…I really need to take advantage of going there more often this year.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short, easy-to-read book of personal essays is great for increasing your appreciation of the Eucharist.

Authors run the gamut from contemporary folks to spiritual giants. A great resource for Adoration and for both those unfamiliar with devotion to the Eucharist and for devout believers.

[Luci Stangby · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was highly rated, but I was pretty underwhelmed by it. The way that the Eucharist is talked about is beautiful, but to be so closed minded about other denominations is what drives people away from Christ. It is frustrating because it felt like the book only talked about how Catholic communion was the right way and the only way the Christ. I was not a fan.

[Lilly Pirrung]

I’ve never struggled with believing the Eucharist is truly Jesus, but I am often guilty of allowing other things in the Mass (bad homily, horrific music, boy in shorts chewing gum next to me.. yikes) distract me from remembering that the Eucharist is right in front of me. While those things DO matter, none of them take away from the beauty of the Eucharist and shouldn’t take away my gaze from Him. A nice wee call out.

I am not a huge fan of Matthew Kelly so I also enjoyed the fact there were reflections from other writers!

[Samantha Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is really easy to read, which is what I need. The testimony’s are all different and each have their own thing to teach you and are very effective at it!

[Kavanaugh Kohls · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book certainly has a purpose- though I've heard most of the stories before, it's always heartening to see clearly love for Christ in the Eucharist.

[Jeremiah Whiteman · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very unimpressed with this book. I picked it up after Mass to learn more about the Catholic Church’s understanding of the Eucharist, but instead of learning about it I merely read a bunch of essays that were overly sentimental and anecdotal evidences as to why we should believe in transubstantiation. Don’t get me wrong, these writers clearly believe in what they wrote and probably have good, logical reasons for why they believe what they do, however this book seems devoid of those good reasons and feels more like an emotional tool than anything. I would not recommend it.

[Grace Gallo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple, easy read with nuggets to ponder no matter who you are.

[Jill Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised how I liked this book. It was not a difficult read and I thought I would be able to read in an hour or two, but I ended spending more time on it. The different encounters in the book were inspirational, especially the last one. This was well worth reading. I am glad I took my time and read it slow.

[Lauren Bruna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book because my dad asked me to and I said I would, so I did. In that regard, I pray it leads to fruitful conversation!

This is a book written by Catholics for Catholics. It often discounts the ways in which Christians of all Protestant denominations seek and worship the Lord. It also pulls single verses out of context and uses them to back an entire church tradition.

[Vivian Cerruti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read! Picked it up this weekend. Just a simple reminder to appreciate the most beautiful miracle our church possesses

[Mitzi Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring collection!

[e_anne_b · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was born into Catholicism and have just gone through the motions over the years doing “what I was supposed to do”. This was a great reminder of why Catholics are Catholics and why we believe what we do!

[Joey Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful easy read about the True Presence!

[Joanie Gramlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Lent, I have been trying to do some spiritual reading along with my fun reading. This book had some wonderful explanations on how important the Eucharistic should be in our lives. It was really good to hear for a devote Catholic & would be a great read for those that struggle with their faith.

[Veronica Zorrilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy Read, stories are inspiring and motivational

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Seek the rest that silence naturally brings to your heart, mind, body and soul."
"Man's soul is spiritual and therefore it demands a spiritual food...the Bread of Life...Body and Blood of our Blessed Lord."

[Miranda Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute BREATHTAKING book. Please read this if you’re seeing this review. It’s a sign. 🫶🏼

[Mariangel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twelve short reflections or personal experiences of Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharist.
This was the parish Christmas present, and it’s a good introduction for young people.

[Rae Wetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all. Wonderful and amazing! I highlighted nothing because nearly the entire book would be neon-colored!! I strongly recommend it for Catholics and curious non-Catholics.

[Stephen Duquaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I think I might have received it on the mail for free. It was a collection of personal testimonies of how the Eucharist has impacted various Catholics. I think I’ll keep it for the stories as homily material. Some of the stories were very moving and helpful for my own reflection.

[Aimee Spencer-Kruczek · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing collection of firsthand accounts of the Eucharist, God's biblical sovereignty, and Jesus's presence in a modern world. Each story is equipped with a prayer, book recommendation, and short statement for reflection, which encourages this book not only to be read, but to engage the reader in further interior and spiritual exploration.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is fine. A Catholic Church in my county gave it out at the beginning of Lent. Light readings that are manageable as a quick reflection at morning/night/whenever you pray. But nothing new in terms of content. But a nice reminder.

[Lynnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice collection of essays on the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. As one of the authors mentions, though, people who are not ready to receive this message will not accept it, until/unless they become ready.

[Josh Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this; really refreshing, short read

[Lindsee Gourley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, quick read. Simple explanations and teachings. Found it beneficial and interesting.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5
I liked some chapters more than others since there were different authors but overall enjoyed how easy of a read this was while still addressing a large and thought-evoking topic.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of stories and testimonies about the Eucharist.

[Kristen Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time reading a Catholic book 😁 it definitely made me stop and appreciate the beauty of Communion, even when I disagree in doctrine...