The homily is done; delivered at two Masses and I've listened to several other homilies thanks to the miracle of TV and the internet. It is very obvious to me that one could go on and on and on concerning all things Eucharist. After all this is the foundational teaching of the Catholic faith based on the teaching of Christ Himself!
In addition to the image and focus of my homily today I had quite a few other thoughts as well. It may be valuable to touch on transubstantiation since many a Catholic might struggle to explain this to a non-Catholic friend. Quite simply and directly: transubstantiation is the conversion of one substance into another. And in the doctrine of transubstantiation it is said that this conversion does not change the appearances of the original substance. In the case of the Eucharist, ordinary bread and wine is transubstantiated into the Body and Blood of Jesus without changing the appearance of bread and wine. This has been the consistent and unbroken truth of the Church for over 2,000 years and was believed by all Christians until the 11th century. Even with the great schism and the protestant revolution, even those who fell away believed in the Real Presence, like Martin Luther himself.
In another commentry on the Eucharistic transubstantiation the author noted the graciousness of Jesus' gift of Himself in the host and the chalice while our human senses still see and taste bread and wine. How much more pleasant for us, His followers, to consume that which we see as opposed to trying and consume flesh and blood; even the flesh and blood from the Savior of the world.
A couple of personal observations if I may. One of my greatest privileges as a Permanent Deacon is ministering to the men at Rayburn prison. On the nights that I "preside" I conduct a communion service. There are other nights when we celebrate Mass. Everytime I observe these men receive Jesus in the Eucharist I am moved by the level of reverance and awe. Almost to a man; and we have 35 or so who attend, they return to their seats, kneel on a plan floor and pray with head in hands. It is moving. Somehow, someway these men, incarcerated for various crimes, cling to their faith and beliefs and understand the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
One last thought. For us who believe when we enter a church of another denomination we sense something(or someone) missing. Now don't misunderstand this point. I know Jesus is present in many ways and those who believe in Him without benefit of the Eucharist truly worship Him. But it does not take me long to realize that He is missing in that most excellent and profound way in the Eucharist. There is no tabernacle, there is no sanctuary lamp. Every time I give a tour of the church to young students or recent converts I always direct their attention to the sanctuary lamp. I always let them know that the lamp near the tabernacle lets us know that Jesus is here; body, blood, soul and divinity. Really fully and substantially present!
Think about how your Catholic Church feels if you have ever been present on Good Friday or Holy Saturday when the tabernacle is empty and the doors wide open. You can tell. You just can tell.
So may we continue to reflect on this wonderful day on the precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ; most fully present in the Blessed Sacrament!
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