Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
There has been a lot of press in Catholic media these past few weeks in response to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, which found that only about 30% of Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist (that is, that during the Mass after the words of Consecration the bread and wine are no longer bread and wine but the true and substantial Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus).
This number is troubling, but not surprising. The same research group has put out studies with some regularity stating that the majority of Catholics do not agree with the Church’s teaching on contraception, same-sex ‘marriage’, an all-male priesthood, or the existence of hell. Looking at those who attend Mass weekly, this most recent study found that a full 37% believe that what they receive at Communion is just bread and wine used symbolically. My friends, this is not our faith, and we have a duty, first, to examine our own beliefs and attitudes regarding the Eucharist, and second to make reparation to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
First, this is a good time to examine our own faith and how we live that out. A prayerful silence before Mass and taking time to make a Thanksgiving after Mass for having received Jesus’ Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity go a long way to strengthen one’s own faith, but also to witness to the reality of what is occurring on the altar. After the Consecration, there is no longer any bread. Every crumb and particle is Jesus Christ whole and entire, and we have to take great care that none of them are dropped, stepped on, or lost. If you receive Communion in the hand (which is available in the US due to a special papal permission called an indult), please take care that no particle falls when moving the Host from the hand to the mouth (I have seen it happen) or that any remain in the hand.
Second, we need to pray and make reparation for all those Catholics (and non-Catholics) who do not believe in Our Lord’s presence in the Eucharist. Below are two prayers given to the children who saw Our Lady at Fatima that we can pray anywhere, but especially before the Blessed Sacrament in adoration, and I would like to renew my invitation to everyone to spend time with Jesus in our Emmaus Chapel. May God bless you.
Peace in Christ,
Fr. David Angelino
Fatima Prayers
My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You! I ask pardon of You for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love You!
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I adore You profoundly, and I offer You the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifference with which He Himself is offended. And, through the infinite merits of His most Sacred Heart, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of You the conversion of poor sinners.
