On the Most Blessed Sacrament
Out of all the seven Sacraments, one is considered to be the most blessed of all. In the Eucharist (or Communion or The Lord's Supper), we partake of the body and blood of Christ in keeping with his instructions at the last supper with his disciples. While most Protestant churches do not acknowledge any Real presence in the Eucharist, Catholics believe in Transubstanciation (the actual transformation of bread and wine into the physical body and blood of Christ when it is consecrated by a priest). It is this belief that allows us to find far deeper meaning in the Lord's Supper, and part of the reason why we put so much emphasis on it within the Mass. It is in the Eucharist that we are able to come face to face with Christ in a very real and inspiring way.
There are many arguments today as to whether or not transubstanciation is a reality, but I'm not interested in focusing on those today. My intent is not to convince you of the doctrine, but to share its beauty, so that even if you are not Catholic, you can have some appreciation as to what we believe.
Within the Mass, there are plentiful symbolic elements, ranging from vestments and bells and so forth. While someone new to the Church might find such things to be mere pomp, they are actually vital elements of the celebration. It's true that the Mass could certainly be celebrated without such things if they were not available, but the visual reminders help us to focus our minds upon what is both a joyful and solemn event. In the Eucharist, we are remembering the Lord's death, which calls for some seriousness, but were are also rejoicing at his presence, the promise of his coming, and the hope that his words will be fulfilled. There are times during the Church year that are more celebratory while others are more somber. Just as Easter and Christmas are our most festive occasions, Lent would be a more solemn time of reflection. But even in the most somber days, there is always an element of joy within the Mass. It is this unusual cohabitation of joy and sorrow that allows us to appreciate how we in our own lives can still have joy, even in the most sorrowful of circumstances.
But let's get back to the Eucharist, which is certainly the most important facet of the Mass. It is in the Eucharist, when the priest says the prayer of consecration, that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ. He is then there with us in a physical way that we cannot otherwise experience on earth. Because it is the actual body and blood of Christ, Catholics are expected to observe the Eucharistic Fast in which they do not eat for one hour before the Mass (for more orthodox Christians, the fast begins on midnight of the prior day). One can also notice that great care is taken not to spill a single crumb of consecrated bread. When one receives, they are not supposed to touch the bread, other than the brief transition from the priest's hand to their own mouths. Some even allow the priest to place the Host directly in their mouth, out of respect. Also, one is not to take the Eucharist unworthily, meaning if they are aware of unconfessed sin, they are not to partake before proper confession.
It is also because of this special emphasis on the Eucharist, that non-Catholics are requested not to partake. But Protestants should not feel excluded by this. It is certainly not a shot at them. In fact, even a Catholic who has not yet been Confirmed (another Sacrament which will be discussed later) by a Bishop is required to wait until after their Confirmation. The reason for the "exclusion" is that the Eucharist is such a meaningful event, that the Church wants one to have full understanding and appreciation of it before taking it. It is a concern born out of love, not arrogance, as some think.
Also, for those who wish to approach the alter for a blessing may, without taking the Eucharist. Instead of holding out your hands, or opening your mouth, merely cross your hands over your chest and the priest will bless you. This option is open to all, not just Catholics.
If you have seen a Mass but don't understand all that you've seen, look up a local priest and ask questions. Even if you interest is not in converting, it would be spiritually beneficial to explore all of the beauty and wonder that is the Eucharist. Amen.
Vincent Christian
There are many arguments today as to whether or not transubstanciation is a reality, but I'm not interested in focusing on those today. My intent is not to convince you of the doctrine, but to share its beauty, so that even if you are not Catholic, you can have some appreciation as to what we believe.
Within the Mass, there are plentiful symbolic elements, ranging from vestments and bells and so forth. While someone new to the Church might find such things to be mere pomp, they are actually vital elements of the celebration. It's true that the Mass could certainly be celebrated without such things if they were not available, but the visual reminders help us to focus our minds upon what is both a joyful and solemn event. In the Eucharist, we are remembering the Lord's death, which calls for some seriousness, but were are also rejoicing at his presence, the promise of his coming, and the hope that his words will be fulfilled. There are times during the Church year that are more celebratory while others are more somber. Just as Easter and Christmas are our most festive occasions, Lent would be a more solemn time of reflection. But even in the most somber days, there is always an element of joy within the Mass. It is this unusual cohabitation of joy and sorrow that allows us to appreciate how we in our own lives can still have joy, even in the most sorrowful of circumstances.
But let's get back to the Eucharist, which is certainly the most important facet of the Mass. It is in the Eucharist, when the priest says the prayer of consecration, that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ. He is then there with us in a physical way that we cannot otherwise experience on earth. Because it is the actual body and blood of Christ, Catholics are expected to observe the Eucharistic Fast in which they do not eat for one hour before the Mass (for more orthodox Christians, the fast begins on midnight of the prior day). One can also notice that great care is taken not to spill a single crumb of consecrated bread. When one receives, they are not supposed to touch the bread, other than the brief transition from the priest's hand to their own mouths. Some even allow the priest to place the Host directly in their mouth, out of respect. Also, one is not to take the Eucharist unworthily, meaning if they are aware of unconfessed sin, they are not to partake before proper confession.
It is also because of this special emphasis on the Eucharist, that non-Catholics are requested not to partake. But Protestants should not feel excluded by this. It is certainly not a shot at them. In fact, even a Catholic who has not yet been Confirmed (another Sacrament which will be discussed later) by a Bishop is required to wait until after their Confirmation. The reason for the "exclusion" is that the Eucharist is such a meaningful event, that the Church wants one to have full understanding and appreciation of it before taking it. It is a concern born out of love, not arrogance, as some think.
Also, for those who wish to approach the alter for a blessing may, without taking the Eucharist. Instead of holding out your hands, or opening your mouth, merely cross your hands over your chest and the priest will bless you. This option is open to all, not just Catholics.
If you have seen a Mass but don't understand all that you've seen, look up a local priest and ask questions. Even if you interest is not in converting, it would be spiritually beneficial to explore all of the beauty and wonder that is the Eucharist. Amen.
Vincent Christian
posted by Vincent Christian | 5:14 AM
3 Comments:
Dear Sister:
I have been faithfully reading your Blogs and appreciate the work and thought that goes into them. You and I think along the same lines, which is a great comfort to me. Thanks for doing this.
Thanks. I was beginning to think that no one was reading out there. That gives me a little nudge to do a little better about posting regularly. I'm glad that you've enjoyed it, and hope I may continue to serve you in the future.
I should also note that the Abbot has informed me that the church, since the early 1900's no longer requires confirmation in order to recieve the Eucharist. Vatican II enforced this. While I'm no one to argue with the Holy Mother Church, it is my strong opinion that they should and I can't imagine why they don't. I guess it's a good thing I'm not the Pope.
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