Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
The heart and center of Catholic life is the Eucharist. Where all Christians celebrate and honor the rite of Baptism, Catholics also give glory and thanks to God for the Eucharist. Our appreciation shows itself in its many names: the Blessed Sacrament, the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Body of Christ, Holy Communion, Panis Angelicus, the Bread of Angels.
When asked why they remain Catholic, many answer, “The Eucharist.” This is our encounter with the Lord, our vision of the face of God. We know God and are known by God through the Eucharist. I find the loyalty of layfolk to the Catholic Church encouraging and edifying; but I am humbled and grateful to know that many keep coming despite disappointing experiences with their priests.
There was a time when I put much psychic energy into the homily with little attention to the ceremonies of the Mass. It took a while to realize the faithful come to be with the Lord; if the Mass were a TV show, the homily is the commercial they have to endure. So I try to keep my remarks brief.
On this fourth day of Advent, the Lectionary invites us to consider the sacred rites of eating and drinking rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.
I have heard the difference between religion and spirituality explained and defined; and I consider it nonsense. Catholics know nothing of such distinctions since we eat the flesh and drink the blood of Jesus. That is a spiritual reality and more! It is physical just as the human being is both an inspired body and an incarnate spirit. To live we must eat and drink, and our lives would be tragically impoverished if we could not eat and drink the Eucharist along with the starches, carbohydrates, proteins, and fibers of every animal’s ordinary diet. If we eat to live, we also live to eat the Bread of Angels. That is our joy, privilege, and daily delight.
The Pandemic has reminded us of many interwoven mysteries: that there is only one human race and we must care for one another; that our spiritual well-being is bonded to our physical health; that sickness and medical care are social issues and not private concerns; that a nation’s economy is intensely connected to the health of its people; and that one’s political and religious beliefs are never private or personal, they impact others. To name a few. Millions of people have gone hungry since the pandemic began and we have come to appreciate that essential workers are not Wall Street investors but grocery store clerks and garbage collectors.
We remember that we are the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the world and represent the Lord with acts of courage and generosity. As Jesus gave his body for the salvation of the world, we look beyond our private concerns to the needs of all.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.