Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me.
While every celebration of the Holy Mass is a celebration of the dignity of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, today’s solemnity awakens us to the significance of this mystery of faith, and we are reminded of the expansive power of the Eucharist.
This understanding of the Eucharist inspired Saint John Paul II to write these words, “Let us walk generously and courageously, seeking communion within our ecclesial community, and lovingly dedicated to humble and disinterested service to all, especially the neediest… On this journey, Jesus goes before us with the gift of himself to the point of sacrifice and offers himself to us as nourishment and support… break this bread of eternal life for everyone. A demanding and exalting task. A mission that lasts until the end of time” (Homily, Corpus Christi, June 14, 2001).
In the same way, our sharing in the Eucharist is an act of communion, and we are brought into the life of Christ and the Church as we are brought out of ourselves. We are raised up into the expansiveness of the Eucharist in a way that transcends any personal acts of devotion because we are given a share in the life of God that is itself expansive, always self-giving, and always oriented to others. We are reminded of this when, in the account of Jesus feeding the multitudes with only a few fish and loaves, he gives the command, “You feed them!”
This Sunday following our 12:00 pm Mass, our parish will participate in a Eucharistic procession around the church. While we may be familiar with various walks which raise money for a particular cause, we may not be as familiar with a Eucharistic Procession (or walk.) In a Eucharistic Procession, we take Christ out into the world and by our witness, we pray that others may seek to know Jesus Christ and his church. I thank everyone who will participate in our procession today, helping to bring attention to the Eucharist and how it is so central to our faith.
This Solemnity also gives us the opportunity to re-examine our own behavior and practice of the celebration of mass. Please review some of the key points on Mass Etiquette:
Fast before Mass. It is Church law that one fasts for at least one hour before receiving Holy Communion. Water and medicine can be consumed, of course. The purpose is to help us prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.
No Food and Drink in Church. Bringing a snack into church is not appropriate because we want to set the church apart as a place of prayer and reflection.
Men, take your hats off. It is impolite for men to wear a hat into a church.
Don’t chew gum in church. It breaks your fast, it’s distracting, and it is considered impolite.
Cross yourself with Holy Water on entering and leaving the church. This is a reminder of our Baptism which made us members of Christ’s Church.
Dress modestly and appropriately. Wear your Sunday Best. As Catholics, we believe that God comes down to meet us at every Mass. The church is air-conditioned, allowing for modest clothing.
Cell phones should never be used in Mass for calls or texting.
When we enter and leave Church, genuflect toward the Tabernacle. Christ is present for our sake. By allowing our right knee to hit the floor, we acknowledge He is our Lord and God. If someone is physically unable to genuflect, then a bow is sufficient. During Mass, if you pass in front of the altar or tabernacle, bow reverently.
Please be quiet while in church. It is not the time or place to visit with those around you. Remember that your conversation might be disturbing someone who is in prayer.
Bow before receiving Holy Communion. If it is God, then show your respect with a bow of the head. This is an ancient practice that has continued until this day.
Do not leave early. We should stay to the end of the recession and the hymn that accompanies it.
Leave quietly. We encourage you to visit with others, but only once you are outside of the main sanctuary of the church.
Peace!
