Do You Really Believe?

A moment of questioning long ago led Tina Mayeux to rediscover devotion to the Eucharist as her source of peace and hope. 

For the Jubilee of Hope, our writers reflect on prayer as a source of hope in their lives.

There are moments when we recognize God’s subtle but sure action in our lives. It may be an encouraging sign unexpectedly received, a word of encouragement at just the right time, or a long-awaited answer to prayer. Sometimes, it can be sensed in a gentle whispering in our hearts — an inner prompting from the Holy Spirit that challenges or convicts us. At these moments, we often clearly recognize the hand of God instructing and encouraging us.  

A Moment of Reckoning 

Among many such experiences in my own life, one memory stands out as a turning point in my life.  It was a Sunday evening, and I was attending Mass as a college student at our campus church. Distracted by football games, parties, and social events, I thankfully managed to continue to go to Mass every weekend, though my faith and devotion were lukewarm.  

That Sunday, however, was to be a memorable one for me. At the moment of consecration, as the priest elevated the Host, I felt in my heart that Jesus was asking me, “Do you really believe this is My Body?” As I paused to consider this question, I was surprised to realize that my faith wasn’t as strong as I had hoped. Was this really the Body of Christ — God made man, truly present in a tiny piece of Bread? I asked myself.  

As I gazed at the Host, I knew I had to find the answer. It was a watershed moment that helped to reignite my faith and the hope that would sustain me through the crosses and difficulties of life.  

Years have gone by since then. Thanks to the gift of faith, today I undoubtedly believe in the Real Presence of Jesus and know that the Eucharist sustains and nourishes me in every way. I am grateful that each day at Mass, I can bring all my hopes, needs, and concerns and place them on the altar, confident that Jesus hears and responds to my prayers. As a mother, I can also bring, in spirit, each member of my family, with all their intentions, and entrust them to His care.  

The Power of the Eucharist 

Jesus in the Holy Eucharist is my source of hope for many reasons. We receive strength through Holy Communion. The vocation to marriage and motherhood is an active one that requires much sacrifice. Our duties and responsibilities often wear us down and can be exhausting. When we feel tired and depleted, He replenishes us. Our courage and resolve are renewed when we approach the alter to receive Jesus and to adore him in the Blessed Sacrament.  

We need not only His strength, but also His mercy. The Catechism of the Catholic Church assures us that our reception of Holy Communion cleanses us from past sins and preserves us from future sins (1393). In the words of Saint Faustina, on Calvary, the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. This mercy is available to us each time we approach the altar for Holy Communion (Divine Mercy in My Soul, 1319). 

Jesus promised that the Eucharist is our Source of life and salvation. “I am the bread of life,” He said (John 6:35). “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,” He also warned us (John 6:53). He said that whoever eats His flesh and drinks His blood will not die but will live forever. Our hope should come from the assurance Jesus gives us that, through the Eucharist, He will save us and bring us to heaven with Him one day.  

Sources of Hope 

Where do you search for and find hope? For me, hope has been found on the worn pages of my Bible as I have turned to the Word of God for wisdom and strength. Hope has been found by clinging to the smooth beads of my Rosary and petitioning our heavenly Mother during times of sorrow and need. In a very special way, I have also found hope in the eyes of our children, from the time they were newborns until now, seeing in them the promise of a new generation of life springing forth.  

But, above all, the most perfect and profound source of hope for me has been found in the great gift of the Body and Blood of Jesus. That moment of questioning one Sunday long ago sparked a discovery for me of the power of the Eucharist and the love and comfort that we receive from this wonderful Sacrament. He remains with us — in the Host at Mass and within the Tabernacle for our worship and adoration.

What better source of hope is there than Jesus, truly present for us, until the end of the world? 

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Tina Mayeux
Images: Holy Cross Family Ministries