Revering the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist at Mass
As Catholics, we believe and profess that the Eucharist is the real presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that it substantially is his Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the outward form of bread and wine. It can be difficult for us to wrap our minds around this reality, but with the eyes of faith and humble confidence in the words of Christ, we affirm this central tenet of our faith. In fact, the Church states that the Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life”.
How should we act in the knowledge of this amazing reality? That the God of the universe, incarnate in Jesus Christ, is fully present and given to us in the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist? Wonder and awe in that he would humble himself and give his life to us in complete love! And then thanksgiving and adoration and reverence. But how do we practically live this out, internally and externally, in our hearts and minds and in our bodies?
- Pay special attention to what you do in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament: Outside of Mass, recognize his real presence in the tabernacle. This holy vessel houses the leftover consecrated hosts not used at Mass. The lit red candle indicates this presence. The proper way of reverencing Jesus in the tabernacle is to genuflect with your right knee (if you are physically able) towards the tabernacle. During Mass, the proper gesture is to bow to the altar. The altar represents Christ and his sacrifice, and it is where the Holy Spirit overshadows the bread and wine to transform it to the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
- Receive communion if you are a baptized Catholic in a state of grace: If you’re aware that you have unforgiven mortal sins, you should not receive but first take advantage of the Sacrament of Confession as soon as you can. If you’re not Catholic but are interested, we’d be happy to discuss with you. Contact Paul Ambro at paul@sthelenchurch.org to find out more.
- When receiving Communion, acknowledge Who you are receiving: We can receive either standing or kneeling. If you receive standing, you should bow your head as a sign of reverence right before the minister says, “Body of Christ”. Then say “Amen” with conviction. Amen is a word that means “truly it is”. It indicates that you firmly and boldly believe what is being offered to you. If you don’t yet believe this, you don’t have to come forward to receive. If you do, you can receive either on the tongue or on the hand. If on the hand, you should rest one hand under the other. It is not appropriate to reach out with the fingers and take the host. Reverently consume the host right there in front of the minister. And lastly, if using your hands, look to see if there are any particles of sacred host in your hand and consume those as every small fragment is fully Jesus.
- Reflect and pray after Communion: Now that the Lord is within you, take this time after communion to reflect on this great gift you’ve been given, thank him for his love, and ask him to transform your heart to receive his love and change your life to live according to his will. If you receive our Lord in communion, you are a sacred temple. As 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 states, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.” Finally, take the good news of Christ to the rest of the world!
- Pray and ask God to increase your faith in the Real Presence of Jesus: It’s ok to not fully understand or to have questions. If you give a mustard seed size of faith, God will grow it. Try this simple prayer: “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief”. And read the Gospel of John chapter 6!
All are invited to our Communal Adoration Holy Hour, Thu, Jun 16 at 7pm in the Church!