The Most Precious Blood of Jesus
July is traditionally dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus. This gives us another opportunity (as we did on the feast of Corpus Christi) to reflect on the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
During the last two years our diocese has been engaged in ‘The Living Eucharist’ initiative. This began with the Bishop issuing a Pastoral Letter on the Eucharist in Advent 2007. This letter not only reaffirmed our belief in the real presence but also our responsibilities as a Eucharistic people, to become what we receive and to bless this world with mercy and justice. At every Mass we pray the ‘Living Eucharist’ prayer. I encourage you to pray this prayer at home. Copies are available at all the main entrances and exits.
We lead by example. We are encouraged at every Sunday Mass not to leave early, especially at communion. I find it somewhat distressing to meet people leaving Mass at communion still in the process of consuming the host. Why are we in such a hurry? Why do we want to rush from the table of Lord?
I read the following in the bulletin of Christ the King in Tampa:
“What does receiving Jesus in Holy Communion really mean to me? Am I a changed person because of His presence in me? Do I allow Him to be my strength and support in difficult times or do I forget that He is with me in a special way because of receiving Him in Communion?
Communion in the hand can deepen our faith in the dignity of every Christian as a member of the Body of Christ. Irreverence of any kind must be avoided. One of the abuses of our time is the automatic and routine reception of Holy Communion without prayerful involvement with the Lord.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem in his Easter sermon in the year 348 said: “When you approach Holy Communion, make your hands the throne, which will receive the King.”
The norm for the reception of Holy Communion in the dioceses of the United States is standing. Stop before the minister of the host, bow your head and put your hands in the throne position (the right hand cupped under the left) – unless you are receiving on the tongue.
Look at the minister while being addressed, “The Body of Christ.” Answer with a strong “Amen” which means “That is so.” Raise the hands to receive the host. Then step to the side and reverently place the host in your mouth. Then move toward the minister of the cup. Again stop before the minister, bow your head, and answer with a strong “Amen” when the minister says, “The Blood of Christ.” Reach out and hold the cup firmly taking a small sip. Place the cup firmly back in the hands of the minister, without hurry. Rejoin the procession, perhaps with hands folded together, and join in the song that gives expression to our solidarity at this table.
Think about “custody of the eyes” during this time (avoid turning communion into people watching time). There will be time for silent prayer when communion is finished.”
Please remember, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Wednesday in the Church and Chapel from after the 9AM Mass till 7PM. Come and soak up God’s love for you!
- Fr. Gary Dowsey
