PASTOR’S NOTES

On this weekend in which we celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi or the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ it is most apt for us to reflect on our belief in the Eucharistic Presence and corresponding behavior. It should be noted that many of our brothers and sisters in other ecclesial communities are coming to recognize the significance of the sacramental celebration in the life of the believer. For example, some Lutheran congregations will announce their Sunday worship as Mass. Across the denominational horizons we see those reform bodies who had monthly communion services now have them weekly. Individually, I can recall at least two of those I have been privileged to welcome into the faith stating that receiving the Eucharist was their impetus for coming to the Catholic Church. The first was a man I saw every Sunday at Mass. He noticed my shock when he made his inquiry because I had taken for granted he was already a member for he never missed being present at Mass each Sunday. He stated that he was married over forty years, had raised his children Catholic, but had not forsaken his identification of American Baptist. “I am tired of just sitting there listening and not partaking fully in what Jesus offers.” Fervently, he embraced Catholicity and celebrated the Bread of Life for the remaining years of his life. The second gentleman was a well-known actor (whose identity I will refrain from revealing without his permission). On the day after Ash Wednesday one year he came to the rectory and shared his interest in becoming a member of the church. He said that for years he had explored various religious traditions. He approached each of them on a very historical and intellectual basis. But lately, he realized such argumentation was useless when seeking to fill the void in his life. He experienced the deepest hunger as he had been present at Mass the day before.   “You looked and sounded like you believe what you celebrated, I want to have a part of that.” We began instructions that day, but his film obligations required him to go abroad where he completed his spiritual journey. Months later he wrote to me of his joy being Catholic: “Sir Alec (Guinness) and I go to Mass everyday.”

With these ecclesial and personal realities in mind, it is somewhat strange that too many in our community take the gift of Christ’s real presence for granted. Indeed, surveys tell us that some don’t even recognize that indeed the bread and wine once offered by the community has been transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, human and divinity. Does this explain in part the careless behaviors we sometimes see among our brothers and sisters? To any critical remarks I might make some might counter: “Well, at least they’re coming.” It is true that fewer believers attend the Eucharist. Do we not realize then that a radical problem is present which I also alluded to last week: “Religion is entirely private. I’ll celebrate my relationship with God the way I want.” What about what God wants? “Do this in memory of Me.” From its infancy the Church realized the importance of meeting on the first day of the week and listening to the words of the apostles and breaking bread together, their terms for the Eucharist. Thousands of people at various times risked their very lives to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. They all recognized that as the Lord was present in the upper room so He was with them. Do we understand the same when we too often absent ourselves for various reasons? If I were to announce that next Sunday Derek Jeter, or Justin Bieber, or Bono was going to make an appearance, could we handle the crowd or would we be overrun? And yet, the same is not true as the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace, is present and offers Himself in Holy Communion.

When we do come to worship, how do we conduct ourselves? In a previous assignment I recall going to a shore club where many parishioners were members. The rules covering dress in the various sections of the facility were extensive. It was ironic that too many of those very people would show up for Mass in clothing unacceptable at their place of recreation. Additionally, it seems that being late is revelatory of internal attitudes. If we are delayed habitually , it is hard to believe that we are taking seriously our obligation to prayerfully enter into the worship experience. It is most understandable that circumstances arise that inhibit our timely arrival: last minute bathroom stop; car doesn’t start; or traffic is backed up, but if, week after week, the rosary is missed, we hear only the responsorial psalm, or we come in at the homily, then our habits must change and greater care taken of any eventualities. With all of the burdens that people have it is hard to change gears. I recall in the seminary our last class ended at 11:45 a.m. Mass was scheduled to begin at noon. I must admit too often I was still thinking about an exam I might have taken, or the professors remarks, or the work that had to be done as the penitential rite began. But at least there was some time to slow down. To go from the car right to the middle of Mass is too much to ask of most of us.

As many church leaders, writers, and documents call for us to fulfill the obligation to worship they utilize the term “participate” rather than “attend” when it comes to Eucharistic celebration. When the Second Vatican Council called for liturgical reform it directed that the changes made would have the goal of communal activity. Many of us older people recall that in the days of our youth we had more of an observer status. Indeed, the congregation was disparate in the nature of their attendance: some prayed the rosary, others quietly meditated, and still others read their Latin-English missal. In fact, if a priest was present on the altar, but not “saying” the Mass, he might be reading the Divine Office. Today each of us is called by the Magisterium to pray, listen, and to sing at the Liturgy. On this feast let us recommit ourselves to the Eucharistic Presence of Jesus by reflecting on our beliefs, examining of our habits, and joining our brothers and sisters in a fruitful celebration of God’s love. As one of my students once said: The Eucharist is the Sacrament by which God touches us, and we touch God.

May the Presence of Jesus be with us all.

Vivat Jesus,

Fr. Brian