FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
My Dear Parishioners,
I was a decent student during my college years at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA, but there were a few courses that struggled to keep my attention. One of these was Anthropology 100, particularly the small group lab that met once a week and was led by a grad student. During one class, I was predictably dozing off amid a discussion about ritual and symbolism when I heard the TA say, “And the Catholic Church says that at Mass the bread and wine actually become the Body and Blood of Jesus. But no one really believes that, right?” I quickly snapped and looked around, hoping I wouldn’t have to be the first one to speak. When no one did, I somewhat sheepishly raised my hand and said, “Well, I do!” The teacher and class were taken aback. They weren’t condescending, they just couldn’t believe someone actually believed that. Although it was a simple moment, having to publicly acknowledge what I believed truly deepened my love for the Eucharist.
Something similar happened in the life of the great St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. After the death of her husband, Elizabeth lived with a Catholic family in Italy. Although she was Episcopalian, she would regularly sit in the back of Mass with her Catholic friends, observing and soaking in the teachings. On Corpus Christi Sunday, much of the town took part in a Eucharistic Procession through the streets. While Elizabeth watched, her Episcopalian pastor came up to her and said, “Can you believe these people believe that little piece of bread is actually the Body of Christ?” In that moment, Elizabeth thought to herself… “Oh oh… so do I!” She converted to Catholicism shortly thereafter and became the first American born saint.
The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith, a profound, unimaginable gift given by God to man. Yet how often do we take the great truth of the Eucharist for granted until we are challenged on it, whether it be in a classroom, at work, or from a friend of another Faith tradition. The vocal expression of our belief in the True Presence does much to deepen our devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and we should ask for the grace to be bold in expressing that belief in public. But the truth is that each Mass gives us the opportunity to boldly express what it is we believe about the Eucharist. When I arrive at the front of the communion line, the priest or minister says, “The Body of Christ” … Corpus Christi in Latin… and we respond “Amen,” that is “I believe!” How sad it is when we come up rushed, disinterested, or distracted when we are given the opportunity to affirm our belief that what appears to be mere bread is truly the Body of our Lord and Savior. Each reception of Holy Communion gives me an opportunity to vocally express my belief in the Eucharist.
What’s more, everything else surrounding the Mass gives me an opportunity to express that I believe this is truly the Body of Christ. When I arrive early to Mass to pray, when I take what I wear to Mass seriously, when I miss other things to make sure I attend each Sunday, I am making an expression of what I believe and deepening my belief in the process.
This Corpus Chrisi Sunday may we pray for an opportunity to express what we believe about the Body of Christ, whether through our conversations with others or at Holy Mass, and dive ever more deeply into the tremendous mystery of the Eucharist.
Peace,
Fr. Monteleone
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