Jesus is Truly Present, Part 2

(Plain Text Version)

We are devoting many editions to the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist because it is such a tremendous gift.  Today, we continue to look at the real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

Jesus in the Tabernacle

The tabernacle is a locked box containing Body of Christ, consecrated from bread at the Mass.  When one enters a Catholic church, the tabernacle is found in a place of honor.  When Jesus is in the tabernacle, a lighted candle or lamp is nearby. 

Here Jesus is present in His body, just as He was during His public ministry.  Although we did not live in Palestine in the first century, we can still meet our Savior in person.  It is very good to take time to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, even if it is just a few minutes.  No particular prayers need to be said.  Simply being in the presence of our Savior will refresh us.

Eucharistic Adoration

On particular occasions, the Body of Christ is placed in a monstrance.  This is an ornate stand which holds the consecrated Host.  While it is on display, we can adore our Lord more intensely.  In many places, Jesus is kept in a monstrance in a dedicated chapel so that the faithful may adore Christ at any time of day or night.

Benediction

We adore Christ and receive a blessing when the Blessed Sacrament is held up and moved in the form of a cross.  This is done with great solemnity at the close of special events, such as retreats, or times of Eucharistic adoration.

Eucharistic Processions

We honor Christ as our King and Savior when the Blessed Sacrament is carried in a procession.  This can be done in a chapel, or outdoors.  The procession can take place in public, as on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. 

Vocabulary Review

In speaking about the Holy Eucharist, it is very important to use the correct words.  Our choice of words has two effects: they reveal what we believe, and they shape what we believe.

Mass: the re-presentation of the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross in an unbloody manner.

Substance: What something is, regardless of what it appears to be.

Appearance: What our senses detect, such as color, taste, and texture.

Transubstantiation: Change of the substance of bread and wine into the substance of the Body and Blood of Christ.

Host: the round wafer of bread which is consecrated at the Mass.   

Many thanks to:

Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., Pocket Catholic Catechism, 1989, Doubleday

Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., Modern Catholic Dictionary, 2001, Eternal Life

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