March 18, 2007
Catholic This and That by Wayne Talbot
Joshua 5:9, 10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

We conclude this series of reflections on the Mass with the Communion Rite. We have walked through the Mass and have looked at how the Mass can be more meaningful if we understand the context of the symbols. Hopefully, you will participate more in the celebration as a result of learning about the different parts of the Mass.

The Church wishes for who attend Mass to receive Communion, but it is necessary that we examine our conscience to makes sure we are truly prepared to receive Jesus. The Eucharist is God’s gift to us and a show of reverence is necessary to demonstrate our belief in what we receive. When we go to any person’s house for a dinner invitation we know that we respect the person and the rules of the house. Perhaps, they will require us to remove our shoes or that we sit in a certain position. If we show respect for these rules then how much more should we respect the house of God. We show that respect because we care for the other person and their house. Let us try to show honor for the presence of God in the Eucharist by following some “dispositions” before receiving our Lord.

1. That we are in a “state of grace,” not conscious of any unconfessed grave sin. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will renew us and transform our lives and should be celebrated before receiving. If it is any other serious situation then one should contact the priest.
2. That we have observed the one hour fast from food and drink (except for water and medicine) before receiving Holy Communion. Those who are advanced in age or are infirm as well as those who care for them are exempt from this fast.

The procession to receive Holy Communion can be spent in reflection of what we are to receive. It should be eager anticipation as we are privileged to partake in the life of Jesus Christ. We are participating in a meal of unity that brings us into “communion” with God and one another. Do we really believe that what we receive is God present to us? It may look and taste like bread and wine, but our faith truly understands this to be the Body and Blood of Jesus. Usually, it is common to bow as a sign of reverence toward the Eucharistic Lord before receiving Him. If our disposition is not in accord with the beliefs of what the Eucharist is we might want to ask ourselves: “Why am I doing this?” Do we make a mockery of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist and are we really in union if we are in a “state of sin?”

There are two ways in which we may receive the Blessed Sacrament: on the tongue, or in the hand where this is permitted. We reply with an “Amen” when the minister says “The Body of Christ.” This assent to our belief can be thought like this:

1. We believe that Jesus Christ is fully present under the appearance of this bread and wine that we receive.
2. We believe that all His Body, the Church, teaches is true.
3. We declare that we are a member of His Body, the Church.

Our procession back to our seat should be reflective and even awed at what just happened. We now share in Jesus’ life and that should give us pause. By sharing Jesus’ life we need to act like what we receive. We, who have received the Body and Blood of Christ, now ought to be the Body and Blood of Christ.

We can join in the singing, if there is any, to show again our unity as a Church. We should also spend time in reflective silence as we pray that all be one through this Holy Communion. Holy Communion can compel us to recognize the same Lord in the poor and outcast. Has receiving Jesus changed our outlook and transformed our actions? The hymn, then, should be sung with joy and thanksgiving.

In the story of the disciples walking on the road to Emmaus, Jesus walks and talks with them without them recognizing Him. Finally, in the breaking of the bread, they see who He is. All the words we have spoken and the prayers we have said may not necessarily help us see the “real Jesus.” The Eucharist is the “Real Presence” of Christ where we see Jesus as He is. The Eucharist helps us see Jesus in the elements of bread and wine, in the Church, in the people, and even in ourselves.

The priest invites us to pray. Everyone stands and there is a brief moment of silence as we direct our hearts to the prayer that the priest will say in our name. The prayer gives thanks to God for what we have received in this Eucharist. If we are attentive and have been thankful ourselves after Communion, we will find that this prayer pretty much sums up the way we feel. If, on the other hand, we have been preoccupied with other things, this prayer should help us to refocus on what is truly important at this moment. We answer this prayer with an “amen,” making it our own.

At the beginning of the Mass we blessed ourselves. Throughout the Mass we have blessed ourselves coming into the church, as we genuflected or bowed toward the sanctuary, at the beginning of Mass, over our forehead, lips, and heart before the Gospel, and after receiving the Blessed Sacrament. Now we receive a blessing. Sometimes this blessing happens right after the priest greets us, asking the Lord’s presence to be with us. Other times there are additional prayers or blessings. Let us trace the sign of the cross while the priest asks God to bestow His blessing upon us.

The Mass receives its name from the concluding statement of the priest or deacon: Ite missa est, a Latin phrase that literally means “Go you are sent.” The fact that the Mass takes its name from this final act of the celebration points to the purpose of it. We are being sent on a mission.

Our Lord does not send us out into the world as orphans, but equips us for the journey. He has formed us by teaching us through His word, which we have heard proclaimed, and He has fed us with His very Presence for our missionary activity. The Lord is truly our only hope for peace in this world. As the great commissioning says in Matthew 28, “Go to all the nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Behold, I am with you until the end of the age.”
For more information please consult “The How-To Book of the Mass” by Michael Dubriel.

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Catechism of the Catholic Church: Second Edition. United States Catholic Conference—Liberia Editrice Vaticana. ©1997.
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