One Faith, Action, and Adoration...
Our shared, or common faith in the Sacrament of the Eucharist is something we possess and have with us, at all times and in all places. I recall seeing the older members of my family trace the sign of the Cross on their foreheads as we walked or drove past a Catholic church. They advised me that their action represented an acknowledgement of Christ present in the tabernacle within, even if we didn’t have time to stop in and make a visit.
That shared or common faith makes it possible for us to share in the supreme prayer and action of the Church, the celebration of the Eucharist. When away from home, we know that we can find our way to a Catholic church in the area and share in their immersion into this Mystery, in their offering of praise, thanksgiving, and glory to God as is fitting for us to do. When we are on our home turf, we and our home community of faith are infinitely strengthened by this supreme act. What is due God is offered.
That shared or common faith gains us entry into the Presence of God, forever made real in the Mystery within – Jesus present to adore, to encounter in the strength of our accomplishments and our joys, to encounter in the depths of our weakness, our sorrow, our regrets and our hopes that spring from faith,
"He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said: Take it...this is my body. Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them. He said to them: This is the blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many...” Mk 14
This Mystery is: God’s presence to us; our presence and service to God!
Fr. Tom