One of the good things that has happened because of the cancellation of public Masses is that Catholics have had an opportunity to reflect on what exactly they are missing. While many are missing the many occasions to see friends and family or to hear the scriptures and homilies, others are reflecting more deeply on Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist.
This gift from God is immeasurable in its scope. I am happy to say that a great majority of our parishioners believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, but the question remains: do we strive to understand and appreciate the gift more and more? Unlike so many earthly gifts which we receive, this gift from heaven demands deeper study, prayer, and appreciation. Otherwise we run the risk of taking it for granted, or even worse, losing our sense of awe and wonder in God’s presence.
I encourage you while you are forbidden to participate in the Holy Mass to spend time studying it. Trace its movements and prayers. See how the Holy Spirit has formed and fashioned it over two thousand years to reflect both the awesomeness of the gift of God, and our beautiful response to God drawing near. Prayer and study can lead us to a deeper participation and appreciation of this awesome gift.
How pleased God will be when we return to celebrate the Eucharist, if we return with a greater love of God in our hearts and a greater reverence for Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist. We will be a people breathless and silent in the presence of our soul’s greatest desire. Ready to burst forth in worship and praise of God’s tremendous gift of himself in our midst.
May God continue to keep you safe and fill you with his choicest blessings.
A few study resources:
The order of the Mass
A comparison of the four Eucharistic Prayers
The Catechism on the liturgy
A “brief” history of the liturgy