The Mass: Liturgy of the Eucharist - Part XVI

We are still examining the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and we are very close to actually being able to receive Jesus. Last week we looked at the Sign of Peace. This week we will observe all that takes place before Holy Communion is actually distributed. 

While the Sign of Peace is being exchanged, the deacon goes to the tabernacle and brings any ciboria with previously consecrated hosts to the altar, so that they may be distributed along with those just consecrated at the present Mass. If you watch the priest very closely, you will see him break the large host over the paten. This is in imitation of what Christ himself did at the Last Supper, where he blessed the bread and then broke it before sharing it with his disciples. The priest also takes a small piece of the host and places it into the Precious Blood in his chalice, praying quietly that “the mingling of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.” 

Together, we are led in the “Lamb of God,” recalling references to John’s Gospel and the Book of Revelation. Note that as a link to what was discussed last week, we pray once again that Jesus grant us his peace. The host is shown to us all for us to “behold,” and we recognize that we are about to take part in the “supper of the Lamb.” Then together we pray a prayer derived from Matthew 8:8, that like the centurion, we state we are unworthy for Jesus to come under our roof (our very bodies). Yet Jesus indeed wishes to become a part of us. And so we come forward, partaking in the Real Presence of our Lord, who loves us so much, he instituted this vital Sacrament of the Eucharist – for our sake.

"The celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice is wholly directed toward the intimate union of the faithful with Christ in communion. To receive communion is to receive Christ himself who has offered himself for us. " - Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1382

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Contact me at eucharist@stmli.org.