Fr. Bill's Weekly Message
for 9/13/98
Dear Parishioners:
How should one receive the Holy Eucharist? Father
Robert DeGrandis, S.S.J. wrote a booklet entitled, Receiving Holy Eucharist,
The Sacrament of Healing. I want to take the opportunity to summarize his
major points.
1) BELIEVE THAT THIS IS THE GREATEST ACTION OF MAN,
TO BE UNITED WITH THE RISEN LORD IN HOLY COMMUNION. Perhaps going to
communion has become rather routine. At your next communion try to imagine
Jesus Himself giving you His Body and Blood for your healing. Here is the
One Who died on Calvary rose on Easter in the palm of our hand. Try hard
to imagine this very person giving you Himself. Hear Him say, "Here is
my body!" Here is my Blood!"
2) PREPARE WELL FOR EACH RECEPTION OF JESUS IN HOLY
COMMUNION. One way to do this is to go to confession on a regular basis.
I recommend at least six times a year at the minimum. We are all sinners
and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:22).
3) FAST FROM FOOD AND DRINKS ONE HOUR BEFORE RECEIVING
HOLY COMMUNION. [Water may be taken anytime.] For Sundays this is more
symbolic as Mass itself takes about an hour, and with transportation to
church, the hour is gone. (Chewing gum breaks the fast). It is a way to
remind us of how we should "fast" from those things that will harm us,
gossiping, lying, cheating, bad movies and songs, etc.).
4) COMMUNICATE RESPECTFULLY. At this moment, heaven
touches earth, divinity reaches out to humanity, eternity steps into time.
We should make sure hands are clean; if carrying a baby, receive on the
tongue. Hold your hands as if to make a cross, one palm resting in the
other. Saying an audible, "Amen," when you hear, "Body of Christ." All
these things show our respect for the true presence of Jesus.
5) MAKE AN APPROPRIATE THANKSGIVING AFTER RECEIVING.
COMMUNICATE WITH THE LORD, ASKING FOR HEALING. He is the source of
all healing. A sincere, heartfelt act of thanksgiving will help go more
deeply into the mystery.
6) ACTUALIZE THE TEACHING OF THE HOLY MASS BY TAKING
ONE WORD TO REFLECT ON. Let us take one word from the liturgy to mull
over during the day. Any word that strikes you - Forgive, Listen, Love,
Share, Follow Me, etc. - Focus on that word during the day. Bring it to
mind during situations you encounter. That word will bring you back to
Jesus.
7) WALK IN THE PRESENCE OF THE EUCHARISTIC JESUS WITHIN
YOU, LOVE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. Picture Jesus walking beside you during
the day. Jesus has entered our bodies, our souls and wants to be part of
our daily lives. We need to turn to Him during the day and to honor His
presence in our lives by frequently praying, even short prayers. Some good
advice.
God bless,
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