The Sacrificial Nature of the Holy Mass

For the past two Sundays we have been reflecting on John 6 and that which comes forth from the Eucharistic theology set forth therein.  We have reflected on “why” we would want to be present at Mass (because that is where He makes himself present to us in that unique and privileged way); why we would come to church outside of those times scheduled for holy Mass; and why we should be diligent about cultivating that same desire for the Eucharist in our homebound, especially at the time of death.

This week we delve into what the Church understands the reception of Holy Communion to be: its meaning and the practices that naturally follow from that biblically grounded understanding.  Some good sources for this (besides John 6) are: the Catechism of the Catholic Church #1322-1419 (the holy Mass & Eucharist); Exodus 12:1-28, 43-49 (the Passover); Matthew 22:1-14 (Parable of the Wedding Feast); Matthew 26:17-29 (Last Supper); I Corinthians 11:23-32 (Eucharistic celebrations).

Many people see the reception of Holy Communion as a matter of mere participation in the gathered community and therefore the invitation for each and all to receive becomes a matter of hospitality on the part of the minister.  This is backwards!  Remember the warning about “self-referential” attitudes from two weeks ago? That is, how our focus is on God, not on ourselves.  Focus on the gathered community readily becomes the community as god, the community which creates itself, the community which accomplishes the act of salvation.  This is indeed backwards.

Unfortunately, the time assigned to the homily and the space provided for this catechesis doesn’t come close to even the introductory discussion that should be had in order to understand this and its implications for our worship and community life.  I would encourage each and all to visit my blog for a fuller consideration of these important points.  In any case, DO begin by reading the paragraphs indicated from the Catechism and the scriptural passages given.  These will at least ground us in the Word God has given us and the Tradition of the Church which is passed down to us.