"AI" AND THE EUCHARIST!
- 4 days ago
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The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
"Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you" (Jn. 6:51-58)
The encyclical letter by Pope Leo XVI, "MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS OF HIS HOLINESS
POPE LEO XIV ON SAFEGUARDING THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE TIME OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, 2026," Article 235, His Holiness expressed, "The 'Amen' we say in the liturgy, the Body we consume, and the Blood we drink shape our entire lives." On this Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, I was delighted by Pope Leo XVI's perspective on "AI (Artificial Intelligence) and the Eucharist." Here, a dichotomy emerges: AI draws us away from personal interactions and a sense of isolation. On the other hand, the Eucharist invites us to encounter one another with God's love. We are being conditioned to trust and rely on AI instead of using our creative imagination, compassion, and memory to kindle a love for one another, which is the spiritual impetus that comes from the Eucharist.
In Article 235, Pope Leo XIV guides us to contemplate the significance of our "Amen" after receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, the Eucharist, the strength for our inward journey to an effacious witness. The "Amen" signifies more than a "I believe" statement; as we have said "Amen" so often, even perhaps robotically, missing the true meaning of our actions. Our esteemed leader encourages us to reflect on our "Amen," saying, "The Eucharist opens us to justice and sharing, with a preferential concern for those who are burdened by poverty or marginalization." (Article 235)
Essentially, the eucharistic experience is not merely a moment of personal satisfaction or spiritual elevation. After listening to the scripture readings, the inspired Word of God, the prayers of the faithful, saying the Lord's prayer, and receiving the Eucharist, our "AMEN" is to inspire us. We must: "do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly (Mi. 6:8)," with our God. Our "AMEN" should reflect our Savior Jesus Christ, who declared, "... I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me" (Mt. 25:35-36).
The question is, "Does our AMEN drive us to advocate for justice in the streets or to share our food with those who are hungry, mirroring the image of Jesus in Matthew's gospel? Do we show preferential care for those who are experiencing ICE cold hearts that separate children from their parents illegally? When we say "AMEN," how far are we willing to support those less fortunate? In John's gospel, Jesus said, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you." We have life because we have partaken in the flesh of the Son of Man and His blood, but are we compassionate enough to provide "a voice to the invisible and ensure that processes are aimed at respecting people’s dignity." (Article 235) What does your AMEN cause you to do?
"AI" is nearly comparable to Satan, who seeks to establish a world of perfection. Consider Satan opening our eyes so that we "will be like gods, who know good and evil" (Gen. 3:5), through "AI" usage. Can you envision "AI" determining what is good and bad for you? We interact with "AI" every day and at every moment of our lives. "AI" tells us where to go, how long it will take to get there, how many hours of sleep we need, and more.
Fortunately, there is one thing AI cannot do—it cannot search your heart. God told the prophet Samuel, "Do not judge by his appearance or his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. God does not see as a mortal, who sees the appearance. The LORD looks into the heart" (1 Sam. 16:17).
Therefore, we must trust God as we move forward. Our "AMEN" must lead us to rely on God, who cares for us. The psalmist said, "Cast your care upon the LORD, who will give you support. He will never allow the righteous to stumble" (Ps. 55:23).
Say "AMEN," Church, Jesus said, "the one who feeds on me will have life because of me" (Jn. 6:57).
Say "AMEN" Church, Jesus said, "whoever eats this bread will live forever" (Jn. 6:58).
Say "AMEN," Church, for God has spoken, and those of us who live through the Eucharist have a duty to nourish the world. We must always protect the human person with heartfelt, genuine love, rather than relying on Artificial Intelligence.
Make your "AMEN" meaningful today!
"Very bread, good shepherd, tend us, Jesu, of your love befriend us, You refresh us, you defend us, Your eternal goodness send us, In the land of life to see."
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