June 18, 2006
Today we celebrate the Solemn Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. All through the centuries the Eucharist has been at the center of the life of our Church - the apex of all we do - indeed we are most "the Church" when we gather at the Lord's Table.
In this book entitled Prayer, Richard J. Foster shares a beautiful reflection on the importance of the Eucharist in our lives:
The Most Complete Prayer
At the heart of all Christian prayer is the celebration of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion. Nearly every aspect of prayer is caught up in the Eucharistic feast: examination, repentance, petition, forgiveness, contemplation, thanksgiving, celebration, and more. It most perfectly embodies the central core of prayer in that we are full participants in the action, but the grace that comes is all of God. All of the senses are employed. We see, we smell, we touch, we taste. We hear the words of institution: "This is my body . . . This is my blood." In short, Eucharistic Prayer is the most complete prayer we ever make this side of eternity.
"Christ is truly present among us, and his life is truly imparted to us, but how it all works is a holy mystery." It is here that our analysis gives way to doxology. In fact, in the Eastern Orthodox tradition the Eucharist is officially designated as one of the "holy mysteries." As C.S. Lewis wisely quipped, "The command, after all, was Take, eat: not Take, understand."
The Eucharist constantly reminds us that the Passion is the heart of the Gospel. It forces us to keep coming back to the Great Sacrifice. Jesus' body broken. His blood poured out. This is how we live. This is how we are strengthened. This is how we are empowered. In the Eucharist we all come to the table on the same level: the articulate and the wise have no advantage over the illiterate and the immature. We all come with open hands, praying the prayer of the child - the prayer of receiving.
Lord Jesus, you gave us your body and blood as a sign that even now we share your life. May we come to possess it completely in the Kingdom.
Peace,
Fr. Chuck
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