Dear Parishioners and Friends,
A little over a year ago we welcomed my former colleague, Joseph Nuzzi, who came from New York to present several reflections on the Eucharist. He was very well received by those who attended his sessions, and a number of you asked if he might return to make an- other presentation. Joe has since taken a new position as President and Executive Director of RENEW International, so his availability is somewhat limited.
Nevertheless, we continue to benefit from Joe’s time with us, as we grow and deepen our love for the Eucharist as a community of faith. We have made significant progress over the past few years after the pandemic forced us to make numerous changes in the way we worship. I am happy to see more people at Mass, with many joining us for the first time. I am also pleased that more parishioners are receiving the Blood of Christ from the cup at weekend Masses.
However, since it is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, I’d like to repeat some of what I wrote back in 2023 regarding reception of the Eucharist:
St. Cyril of Jerusalem in 348 gaveth is instruction to his congregation: “When you approach Holy Communion, make the left hand in to a throne for the right, which will receive the King. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer ‘Amen.’”
Thus, as we receive the Body of Christ, our hands should be open, with one hand on top of the other, rather than side-by-side, so that the host may be placed there securely. Our vocal response of “Amen” should be intentional, not silent or mumbled.
This instruction always bears repeating, and to think again of the sacredness of a moment that should not be rushed or done casually. It is always a statement or proclamation of faith when we receive the Eucharist.
St. Augustine, one of the greatest doctors of the ancient Church, taught specifically about saying “Amen” in one of his sermons. He said: “If you are the body and members of Christ, then it is your sacrament that is placed on the table of the Lord; it is your sacrament that you receive. To that which you are, you respond ‘Amen’ (‘yes, it is true!’), and by responding to it, you assent to it. For you hear the words, ‘the Body of Christ’ and respond ‘Amen.’ Be then a member of the Body of Christ that your ‘Amen’ may be true.”
May our belief in the real presence of the Lord in the Eucharist never waver, but grow stronger each time we share his Body and Blood, given for the life of the world.
Blessings on your week ahead!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.
Pastor