Growing up, my identity was defined by the unique reality that I was a twin. It was a regular occurrence to be asked whether I was the smart twin or dumb twin. The attractive one or his counterpart. Was I the athletic twin or the non-athletic twin? The popular sibling or the socially reticent sibling. Most of these questions or labels were assigned in a playful, somewhat teasing manner. Yet, without realizing it, this set the foundation for my identity to be intertwined with comparative measures and surface-level achievements. While the specifics of being a twin might be unique to my story, the broader experience of constructing an identity based on external, transient factors is far from it.
The quest for identity is a universal experience, deeply familiar to us all. From the impassioned voices of politicians to the vibrant anthems of pop stars, the importance of self-discovery and forging one’s identity is often emphasized. We live in a society where being true to oneself is one of the few universally accepted moral absolutes. However, the paths offered to uncovering and embracing our authentic selves are as varied and numerous as the individuals walking them. From the work we do to the company we keep, from social ideologies to sexual orientation, all appear to proffer a sense of esteem and belonging for those seeking a source of identity.
Everybody needs a secure understanding of self. Across centuries, from philosophers to psychologists, experts have meticulously outlined the fundamental human necessity for an identity that is recognized personally and publicly. From the earliest stages of life, we derive our sense of worth and purpose from the bonds we form within our families. As we mature and embrace independence, the validation we once sought from family shifts toward our peers. Yet, along this journey of self-discovery, we tend to dock our identities in fleeting aspects and accomplishments, such as our appearance, social standing, or career gains. In doing so, these assets transform into burdens, overwhelming and oppressing us. Thankfully, our true essence is not defined by these transient markers.
The question naturally becomes, where do we look next for a lasting and secure identity? Escaping the allure of worldly achievements propels us towards introspection, seeking truth and guidance within for self-discovery. Yet, relying solely on self-reflection harbors its own pitfalls. The widely dispensed advice to “follow one’s heart” can sometimes lead us astray, as honest introspection often reveals a complex tapestry of contradictory emotions and desires. Delving into our inner world, we encounter an intricate blend of dreams, hopes, traumas, and fears. Our inner landscape is often a tumultuous sea of thoughts and feelings frequently at odds, making it impossible to find clarity in our identity through introspection alone.
Understanding all this, we must acknowledge that a stable identity can only be found by looking beyond this unstable world. Even an honest self-analysis will offer inadequate answers as we find inharmonious proclivities and propensities within ourselves. Instead, it is by entering into a relationship with our Lord and Savior that we discover the deep conviction that satiates our search for meaning. The fundamental truth, often imparted to us in our formative years—that the Creator of the Universe cherishes each of us profoundly—provides a solid bedrock for our sense of self and self-worth, far surpassing the fleeting highs and inevitable lows that life presents. Like a magnifying glass focusing the sunlight into a fixed beam of light and heat, God brings our longing for purpose and discordant desires together into a realization of our true identity. St Augustine contemplated this reality in his Confessions when he wrote:
But I am distracted amid times, whose order I do not know, and my thoughts, the inmost bowels of my soul, are torn asunder by tumult and change, until being purged and melted clear by the fire of your love, I may flow together into you.
God invites each of us to discover who we are as we gaze upon his Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. In the Eucharist, God shows us his true self, and he forms us into who we are meant to be in relationship to him. That is why it is paramount that we prioritize regular and consistent visits to Mass and times of prayer in adoration. In the Eucharist, we discover the profound reality of who our God is and who we are. As the Church teaches in Gaudium et Spes, Christ reveals the Father’s love while simultaneously revealing “man to man himself and makes his supreme calling clear” [22]. It is for this reason that it is paramount that we form a Eucharistic identity.
Assuredly, the more our conscience, actions, and spiritual life are aligned by Christ, the more we realize and live out our true identity in Christ. But, we must also acknowledge that we don’t lose our identity when our character and conduct fall short of God’s plan and purpose for our lives. Just as our work or morals fail to affect Jesus’ true presence in the Blessed Sacrament, neither does our performance attain or forfeit our identity in Christ. Put simply, our identity in Christ is received and not achieved.
This gift, our Eucharistic identity, is something we must cherish and embody. It assures that our self-worth is not contingent on our accomplishments or failures. Our relationship with Christ in the Eucharist empowers us to maintain humility in success and resilience in failure while safeguarding our hearts and minds from our skewed internal thoughts and inclinations. In time, you’ll discover that this Eucharistic identity will enrich your life and become a source of inspiration for others. Echoing the words of St. Catherine of Siena, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”
———————
The National Eucharistic Congress, Inc. was founded in 2022 by the U.S. bishops in direct response to the need for National Eucharistic Revival. It exists to bring the world into a living relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist, and it accomplishes such a mission through world-class events, innovational pilgrimages, and exceptional spiritual formation.
