At the end of Acts Chapter 2, the early Church devoted themselves to several fundamental disciplines. The breaking of the bread was an important element, and I dare say the one that kept them close to Jesus. However, there is something missing in our modern day experience of the Eucharist.
It is not to say that Jesus is missing, but I believe there is a disconnect happening at the Eucharistic celebration for many people. As I have preached missions across the country, I have asked people attending Mass if they have experienced this disconnect. I’m amazed at the number of people who nod their heads in agreement.
The Church Fathers of the Second Vatican Council called for all Catholics to have full and active participation in the Mass. The problem is that a declaration can’t make that happen. How does one make another want someone?
In addition to that large glaring problem is the reality that many really don’t understand what is happening at Mass. I know that was one of my own problems while I was preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. I simply couldn’t see Jesus in the bread and wine. I was taught that He was really there, but to be totally honest, I didn’t believe.
As I grew up into young adulthood, I did what (I believe) most people do. I took it on the word of others. “Mr. Johnson is a holy man and he believes. So if he believes, then I will accept that it is Jesus.” While that works for children who have childlike faith, that isn’t so easy for adults. From that point on, I went to Mass and went through the motions, having a nominal experience of Mass.
I didn’t know that I really didn’t believe until my pastor asked me to become a Eucharistic Minister. Since I was a youth minister of the parish, he wanted the teens to see me distributing communion. At that moment, I was struck by the reality that I would have to hold the host up and declare it “the Body of Christ.” I didn’t feel comfortable doing that because I couldn’t tell you with absolute certainty that the Host was truly Jesus.
Can you say with absolute certainty that the consecrated Host is Jesus?
I had three months before the training to dive into this mystery. Even though I had been the youth minister for almost five years and had probably taught on the subject at least once, I didn’t really know if and how that bread and wine become the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus.
So I engaged the Holy Spirit to lead and instruct me on not just believing, but understanding how and why Jesus would want to come forth. Why would the early Church see this action (the Mass), which many today see as having no connection to their lives, as absolutely essential to drawing close to Jesus? After about two and a half months of serious searching, I was given the eyes to see.
If you are hoping to read in this blog what I discovered, you’re going to be disappointed. There is no space to be able to give you that here. What I do want to do is encourage you to chew on two points.
- No one can see the Lord in the Eucharist unless the Holy Spirit is alive and activated within their hearts. 1 Cor. 2:9-14
- Have you engaged in a serious attempt to understand the how and the why of this mystery? Disciples are called to give an answer for their belief.
Many are ill equipped for this task, and the days are coming when people will be searching for truth. Will you have a conviction that is supported by understanding to help them find it?
I totally agree with you Deacon Ralph, to understand and believe Jesus is with us and enters in us through the eucharist can only be accomplished when the holy spirit sets our hearts on fire and we are living our lives actively participating and seeking more. Once that occurred in me, I began to recognize when he was leading me to the next thing that would help grow me closer through better understanding. I will be led to a teaching, maybe through a class, and even though I know absolutely nothing about the class, I will powerfully feel drawn to it with intense feelings of expectation and joy. In regards to your topic in particular, I remember it well. I was led to a 6 week class at a neighboring church, the topic was The Mass and the priest used a video presentation by Bishop Robert Barron. The bishop’s explanations truly changed the way I see the mass forever. I now experience a very personal one-on-one encounter and the relationship is so personal to me that I am able to focus in on Jesus and everything else is like white noise in the background. When we seek with all our heart, he will lead us. We worship an awesome and mighty God.✨
Please pray for me, Deacon, that I might have the will from God to seek the understanding of this wondrous mystery. Thanks for your prayers!