I held Jesus in my hands and proclaimed, “The Body of Christ,” yet I did not realize that I was literally holding Jesus Himself, hidden beneath the appearance of bread.

My Eucharistic Story

I was born and raised Catholic, yet my mind was blown when I discovered that Jesus is truly present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—in the Holy Eucharist.

Growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, I attended Catholic schools. At the time, I was mostly focused on drawing, earning good grades, and playing sports. I went to Mass on Sundays, and in high school I became an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

As I distributed Communion, I would say, “The Body of Christ.” Occasionally, someone would kneel before me and receive Communion on the tongue. I remember being surprised by this. I didn't understand why they did it.

Years later, while attending college, I began noticing more of my peers kneeling to receive Communion. It struck me that they understood something I didn't. I had attended Mass countless times throughout my life, yet I sensed I was missing something important.

Then the Holy Spirit began to open my eyes.

I was convicted that the bread and wine truly become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. My heart burst with joy as I realized that Jesus died for my sins, rose from the dead, and now offers Himself completely to me in the Holy Eucharist.

I also came to believe that He is truly alive and present in every tabernacle throughout the world. He waits for me there.

My life has never been the same.

Now, wherever I am, I know I can walk into a Catholic church and find Him waiting for me. I can visit Him in Eucharistic Adoration. I can receive Him in Holy Mass. I can bring Him my joys, fears, questions, and struggles.

Sometimes when I see Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, I remember how different my understanding once was.

I held Jesus in my hands and proclaimed, “The Body of Christ,” yet I did not fully realize that I was holding Jesus Himself, hidden beneath the appearance of bread.

I held the chalice and proclaimed, “The Blood of Christ,” yet I did not fully understand that it contained the Precious Blood—the price of my salvation.

I know I am not the only person who grew up in the Church without fully grasping the reality of the Eucharist.

We long for Jesus in our world today, but how often do we remember that Jesus longs for us?

How often do we remember that He is accessible to us right now—fully present, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, in the Holy Eucharist?

How many people have no idea that the Eucharist is truly Jesus?

Today, I still love drawing, creating art, earning good grades, and playing sports. But I also know that Jesus is Life itself, and apart from Him, I have no life.

My hope is that the art I create through Radical Love sparks conversations, awakens curiosity, and helps others encounter the truth of Jesus Christ truly present in the Eucharist.

"Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'"
— John 6:35

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

If you would like to discuss the artwork, hear more about my journey, or simply ask a question, I'd love to connect with you.

Dylan Smidt
Radical Love 
515-631-9294