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Questions Answered about the Eucharist
Jun
14
Written by:
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Pastor’s Column, part 1
June 14, 2009
Why would Jesus hide himself under the appearance of bread and wine? Wouldn’t it be better if he manifested himself more openly?
God gives us everything in this life, but he asks us to choose him through faith. It wasn’t easy for the first Christians to believe in Jesus as the Son of God either. The Lord asks us to have faith in him and so he comes to us under many disguises, first and foremost in the Eucharist.
I am having trouble believing that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.
Faith is a gift we must pray for everyday! “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). Read John 6 and you will see how clearly Jesus speaks of this sacrament as his real Body and Blood. Many of the Jews were horrified and turned away from him when he proclaimed this doctrine – but Jesus never backed down. “This is my Body; this is my Blood.” Besides, there have been literally hundreds of Eucharistic miracles in the church throughout the centuries, many fully authenticated, of the bread and wine turning into actual flesh and blood. Many books chronicle these supernatural events.
How do I prepare to receive Holy Communion?
First, we must be certain that we are not in the state of serious (mortal) sin, which would require the Sacrament of reconciliation before we receive. We must fast from food and liquids for at least one hour prior to the time of RECEPTION of communion. We should arrive at church in plenty of time if possible in order that the time of mass might belong to God and that we might recollect ourselves in his presence. We try to check our worries at the door. We strive to listen attentively to the scriptures, keeping our eyes and minds focused on the Lord during the Eucharistic prayers. At the consecration, we might make a short prayer (silently) like “My Lord and my God!”
How does one receive communion properly?
One may receive in the hand or on the tongue: the choice is up to you. We are asked to make a sign of reverence, such as bowing slightly, before receiving communion. Notice that one does not take communion; one receives communion. The Eucharist is a total gift of God. Those not able to receive communion can receive a “spiritual communion” by coming forward to receive a prayer with their arms folded across the chest to indicate this.
Father Gary
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