Abbey-Roads2

There is a vast difference between Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and in the assembly or its members. 

The presence of Christ in this sacrament is unique and mysterious. Spiritual guides warn us not to inquire too curiously, because our minds can easily become confused in speaking about such an exalted mystery. It is better simply to accept the words of Christ, of Scripture, of the tradition, and of the Church’s Magisterium, which tell us what we need to know: Christ is really but invisibly present in this sacrament. His presence is such that the bread and wine after the consecration are truly, really, and substantially His body and blood… 

The Church has no other spiritual riches than Christ and what He communicates to her.

At the very outset it must be said that the Church accepts the real presence as a matter of faith, because it contained in the word of God, as attested by Scripture and tradition. Jesus said clearly, “This is my body … this is my blood”, and in controversy with the Jews He insisted that He was not just using metaphors. “My flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him”. (John 6:55-56) Many of the disciples found this a hard saying and parted from His company, but Jesus did not moderate His statements to win them back.

In 1551 the Council of Trent gave a full exposition of the Catholic doctrine of the Eucharist in which the real presence receives special emphasis.

In describing Christ’s presence in this sacrament the Council of Trent used three adverbs. He is contained in it, said the Council, “truly, really, and substantially”. (DS 1651) These three adverbs are the keys that open the door to Catholic teaching and exclude contrary views, which are to be rejected.

In saying first of all that Christ is truly contained under the Eucharistic species, the Council repudiated the view that the sacrament is a mere sign or figure pointing away from itself to a body that is absent, perhaps somewhere in the heavens.

In the end we have to acknowledge that the mystery is ineffable and should be greeted with wonder and amazement.

Secondly, the presence is real. That is to say, it is ontological and objective. Ontological, because it takes place in the order of being; objective, because it does not depend on the thoughts or feelings of the minister or the communicants. The body and blood of Christ are present in the sacrament by reason of the promise of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, which are attached to the proper performance of the rite by a duly ordained minister. In so teaching the Church rejects the view that faith is the instrument that brings about Christ’s presence in the sacrament. According to Catholic teaching, faith does not make Christ present, but gratefully acknowledges that presence and allows Holy Communion to bear fruit in holiness. To receive the sacrament without faith is unprofitable, even sinful, but the lack of faith does not render the presence unreal.

That body is present substantially in the Eucharist but not in the Christian community.

Thirdly, Trent tells us that Christ’s presence in the sacrament is substantial.  …Substance, meaning what a thing is in itself, may be contrasted with function, which has reference to action. Christ is present by His dynamic power and action in all the sacraments, but in the Eucharist His presence is, in addition, substantial. For this reason, the Eucharist may be adored. It is the greatest of all sacraments. After the consecration the bread and wine have become, in a mysterious way, Christ Himself. Vatican II quotes Saint Thomas to the effect that this sacrament contains the entire spiritual wealth of the Church, for the Church has no other spiritual riches than Christ and what He communicates to her. -Avery Cardinal Dulles

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Checking who sent what.

I’m sure many of you have heard of people checking the floral arrangements at a wake to find out who sent the largest arrangement and who sent the smallest.  Somehow, even in death, the popularity contest  endures to discover who thought enough of the deceased to honor him with a bouquet, and size matters.

The florals are gorgeous.

I thought of these things as I looked through the commemorative edition of the Catholic Spirit, the diocesan newspaper - it is a tribute to Archbishop Flynn as he retires.  Indeed it is a beautiful tribute to a very good Archbishop.  And yes, the many congratulatory additions from Cardinals, Bishops, communities of religious and businesses is impressive, as well as fitting.  Similarly blogs have posted their congratulations and best wishes to the retiring Archbishop as well.  It is a lovely testimony of the good will of Catholic bloggers, some of whom have not always been his biggest fans.

Great expectations.

Certainly it is no secret the Archbishop has not always been accoladed the best bishop in the country.  Although, I honestly believe he always did the very best he could, although not a few expected him to do more.  Nevertheless his retirement naturally allows for an honest retrospective of his tenure as the Archbishop of such a vast see.  Compared to his predecessor, many would agree he did a great job.

Where’s the whip? 

When he became Archbishop after Archbishop Roach retired, many traditional/conservative Catholics were relieved that Roach was finally gone.  Not a few thought Archbishop Flynn would come in and clean house, as it were.  Instead, he proceeded with a quiet, pastoral concern towards all the faithful in his care.  He exercised his authority with deep respect for individuals as well as groups of the faithful; in parishes/faith communities, religious congregations, and so on.  (Even the dissident ones - which pretty much raised his critics ire.)

A good shepherd.

Of course the Archbishop’s most dynamic focus, indeed his greatest contribution and legacy, remains the renewal of the seminary while actively encouraging vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  He became a close father to his seminarians and priests, in whom  (I suspect) he placed great hope for them to become the necessary leaders in the ongoing renewal and reform of the entire Archdiocese.

The respect due his office.  

All in all, I believe Archbishop Flynn has been very good for the local Church;  I think he will always be known as a compassionate and caring shepherd.   I have learned from him (actually directly from him)  how to be more patient and tolerant, and most especially, to understand that the bishop, no matter who he is, deserves our respect and obedience. 

[”You say good bye, I say hello…”]  

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Doesn’t that sound funny?

I attended Mass for the Ascension - in this region, the feast is transferred to the following Sunday, for greater emphasis, convenience,  or something like that.

The Mass began with a Marian hymn because the children were going to perform a May Crowning - at another Mass.  After the Gloria, Father mentioned the readings would be taken from Ascension Thursday.  (I knew that, but I’m not so sure others got it.  I mean, I’m not so sure others realized today is the feast of Ascension - I may be way off on that however.)  Anyway, the first lector to read is partially blind so the reading was very, very hard to follow, since it seems possible he is just learning braille.

The singers didn’t show up so the Liturgy/Music Director had to play the piano and sing at the same time - and it was pretty much stuff he knew from some charismatic prayer meeting thing he may have attended in the past - he doesn’t seem to be a very gifted music director.  (I think he went to Steubenville or something - just teasing.)

Whatever, at every goofy part of Mass, I said “Thank you Lord, for the gift of the Mass.”  When the man who couldn’t read braille very well finished, I prayed, “Thank you Lord for this man and the graces you have given him.”  When the Liturgy/Music-man screwed up, I said, “Thank you Lord for the gifts you have given this man.”  And so it went, throughout all the bungling during Mass, rather than become impatient, I thanked God.  Until Holy Communion, then, in my thanksgiving I prayed, “Forgive me Lord for my pride.  I thank you Lord for leaving my soul in darkness and confusion, and withholding all sensible delight and consolation.”  After that, I remained a long time in silence, grateful I was able to receive Holy Communion.

I am so pleased the Catholic Church continues to celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension. 

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