Beloved in Christ,
On this solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), I would like to bring our attention to five areas of Eucharistic life and worship we might want to reflect upon to strengthen our love and reverence of the sacred mystery of Christ's Body and Blood. It is our belief as Catholics that in the Holy Eucharist, Jesus is truly, really, and substantially present in His entirety- body, blood, soul, and divinity- under the appearance of bread and wine. With God granting us the grace of faith, we must respond to the Eucharistic presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ with deep and befitting reverence. The following are five areas I would like us as a parish to consider in our efforts to improve our reverence for the Holy Eucharist:
Firstly, let us plan to arrive early for Mass. Consider leaving home for church earlier than you currently do if you find yourself usually arriving at the church just as the procession of ministers begins. It helps to prepare better for the celebration of the sacred mystery if you arrive at church a few minutes before Mass begins to choose a seat and pray or meditate before the start of Mass. So, come early!
Secondly, out of respect for the Lord of lords, the King of kings, Jesus, whom we come to offer worship and adoration at mass or Eucharistic adoration, let us come appropriately dressed. Think of how you would dress for a job interview, prom, or any other official event; there are dress codes, and you will usually be in your best attire out of respect for the event or institution. We are talking about encountering God here! The Bible supports wearing proper garments and dressing modestly (e.g., see 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and Matthew 22:11-13). Ushers would never turn away any parishioner, but we kindly request that you refrain from wearing beachwear and summer shorts to church and Mass.
Thirdly, participate actively in mass. Please pick up the missalette and hymnal as needed. Open your mouth to join in praying and singing. Sing along (even if you have to pretend you know the songs, lol!). "Singing is the sign of the of the heart's joy (cf. Acts 2: 46). Thus St. Augustine says rightly, 'Singing is for one who loves, and there is also an ancient proverb: 'Whoever sings well prays twice over'" (GIRM 39). Let us also respond to prayers made by the ministers from the altar. Liturgical dialogues are intended to be "dialogues." Be part of the liturgical dialogues at mass.
Fourthly, when you receive the Eucharist from the ordinary or extraordinary ministers, do so carefully to preserve the integrity of the Sacrament. In addition to the customary bow, do cusp your hands if you are receiving in the hand, and extend your tongue when receiving in the mouth. Whatever your choice, please receive the Eucharist carefully and reverently. Take your time; no one is rushing you off. And very importantly, if you believe in the real presence, say "Amen" loud enough before receiving from the minister. You are receiving Jesus sacramentally in your hand or mouth; always remember this reality!
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, do not receive the Holy Eucharist if you are aware of mortal sin on your soul. Receiving Holy Communion while in a state of sin has serious consequences that may take effect now and/or in the afterlife. Remember that we believe the Eucharist is literally Jesus Christ- God Himself. To quote St. Paul at length, "Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgement on himself. That is why many among you are ill and infirm, and a considerable are dying" (1 Cor. 11: 27-30). Jesus loves us, and He is merciful, but let us not take these for granted. Get to confession as soon as you are aware of committing mortal sin (check the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes for guidance), and preferably before receiving Holy Communion.
Let us turn out in large numbers after the 10:30 am mass this Sunday to join the Corpus Christi procession to the Historic Church. A picnic will follow the close of the Eucharistic procession. I look forward to publicly proclaiming our belief in Jesus with you to our Elizabethtown neighbors.
Please do remember me in your prayers as I fly to Nairobi, Kenya, tomorrow to give an academic presentation at an African Literature Conference. I will spend some of my annual vacation days visiting my mother and sisters in Nigeria after the conference. I'll be back in mid-July.
I love you all,
Fr. Bernard Alayode, OP
On this solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), I would like to bring our attention to five areas of Eucharistic life and worship we might want to reflect upon to strengthen our love and reverence of the sacred mystery of Christ's Body and Blood. It is our belief as Catholics that in the Holy Eucharist, Jesus is truly, really, and substantially present in His entirety- body, blood, soul, and divinity- under the appearance of bread and wine. With God granting us the grace of faith, we must respond to the Eucharistic presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ with deep and befitting reverence. The following are five areas I would like us as a parish to consider in our efforts to improve our reverence for the Holy Eucharist:
Firstly, let us plan to arrive early for Mass. Consider leaving home for church earlier than you currently do if you find yourself usually arriving at the church just as the procession of ministers begins. It helps to prepare better for the celebration of the sacred mystery if you arrive at church a few minutes before Mass begins to choose a seat and pray or meditate before the start of Mass. So, come early!
Secondly, out of respect for the Lord of lords, the King of kings, Jesus, whom we come to offer worship and adoration at mass or Eucharistic adoration, let us come appropriately dressed. Think of how you would dress for a job interview, prom, or any other official event; there are dress codes, and you will usually be in your best attire out of respect for the event or institution. We are talking about encountering God here! The Bible supports wearing proper garments and dressing modestly (e.g., see 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and Matthew 22:11-13). Ushers would never turn away any parishioner, but we kindly request that you refrain from wearing beachwear and summer shorts to church and Mass.
Thirdly, participate actively in mass. Please pick up the missalette and hymnal as needed. Open your mouth to join in praying and singing. Sing along (even if you have to pretend you know the songs, lol!). "Singing is the sign of the of the heart's joy (cf. Acts 2: 46). Thus St. Augustine says rightly, 'Singing is for one who loves, and there is also an ancient proverb: 'Whoever sings well prays twice over'" (GIRM 39). Let us also respond to prayers made by the ministers from the altar. Liturgical dialogues are intended to be "dialogues." Be part of the liturgical dialogues at mass.
Fourthly, when you receive the Eucharist from the ordinary or extraordinary ministers, do so carefully to preserve the integrity of the Sacrament. In addition to the customary bow, do cusp your hands if you are receiving in the hand, and extend your tongue when receiving in the mouth. Whatever your choice, please receive the Eucharist carefully and reverently. Take your time; no one is rushing you off. And very importantly, if you believe in the real presence, say "Amen" loud enough before receiving from the minister. You are receiving Jesus sacramentally in your hand or mouth; always remember this reality!
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, do not receive the Holy Eucharist if you are aware of mortal sin on your soul. Receiving Holy Communion while in a state of sin has serious consequences that may take effect now and/or in the afterlife. Remember that we believe the Eucharist is literally Jesus Christ- God Himself. To quote St. Paul at length, "Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgement on himself. That is why many among you are ill and infirm, and a considerable are dying" (1 Cor. 11: 27-30). Jesus loves us, and He is merciful, but let us not take these for granted. Get to confession as soon as you are aware of committing mortal sin (check the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes for guidance), and preferably before receiving Holy Communion.
Let us turn out in large numbers after the 10:30 am mass this Sunday to join the Corpus Christi procession to the Historic Church. A picnic will follow the close of the Eucharistic procession. I look forward to publicly proclaiming our belief in Jesus with you to our Elizabethtown neighbors.
Please do remember me in your prayers as I fly to Nairobi, Kenya, tomorrow to give an academic presentation at an African Literature Conference. I will spend some of my annual vacation days visiting my mother and sisters in Nigeria after the conference. I'll be back in mid-July.
I love you all,
Fr. Bernard Alayode, OP
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