June 2009 A.D.
Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi
Our last discussion included the priest's role as mediator (in persona Christi) before God, his 'priestly pedigree' (Apostolic succession), and the Sanctus. We sing the Sanctus; Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Think of it --- the preface for Mass ends with --- "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest." We acknowledge God as God, kneel in adoration. We anticipate - and long for - the Lord's arrival under the veil of humble bread and simple wine. We strain to see God. We long to touch the Creator, God the Father. He does not disappoint. He comes to us in the simplest way --- bread and wine --- or is it?

This is a good place to describe the Eucharistic prayer and its parts. There are currently four Eucharistic prayers the priest can choose to use for the consecration. This does not count other Eucharistic prayers for special occasions like reconciliation and children's Masses. Each of these prayers uses dignified or 'high court' language that is highly concentrated and poetic. This combination expresses multiple ideas and historical events with the fewest words possible. These few words tell the wondrously beautiful story of our salvation. These characteristics make for what can be called a complete prayer. We will see this completeness as we unpack the Eucharistic prayer and look at its parts.

Remember; Holy Mass is PRIMARILY a sacrifice. Because God is outside of time; this wondrous mystery brings the past into the present and shows us the future. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is made present on the altar we see at Holy Mass. It is also the same sacrifice God revealed to Saint John in a vision and he chronicled in the book of Revelation. For these reasons what we celebrate each Sunday has several parts that require God's power to accomplish, a validly ordained priest to manifest, and the words of institution spoken by the priest.

The parts of the Eucharistic prayer are: the Epiclesis, calling upon the Holy Spirit for help, the Consecration or Institution, the actual words spoken by Christ at the Last Supper, the Mystery of Faith, the people acclaim their understanding and thanks for the saving mystery that is unfolding before their eyes. Anamnesis (Memorial) & Offering, we do this in memory of Jesus, the second Epiclesis, we implore more from the Holy Spirit, Petitions, prayers for the Communion of Saints and specific requests, the Doxology (per ipsum) & Great Amen, the priest reminds us that it is "through - with - in HIM, in unity with the Holy Spirit, that we give glory and honor to the Father” and that we have our salvation for sin. We are caught up in the moment and respond with a HEARTFELT and JOYFUL "AMEN!"

We will discuss each of these parts in some detail in the coming months. Until then please keep praying for our community, your own families, Holy Mother Church, Msgr. Lamonde, and my family. Your good prayers will help everyone, especially you. I pray each of you has a wonderful Pentecost, Flag Day, Father's Day, and a safe summer. If you plan to travel this summer remember to attend Holy Mass. Check the website http://www.masstimes.org/ for information on Catholic Churches near your vacation site.


July 2009 A.D.
Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi
Last month we briefly introduced the four Eucharistic prayers and the major parts they have in common. Those major parts are: the Epiclesis, calling upon the Holy Spirit for help, the Consecration or Institution, the actual words spoken by Christ at the Last Supper, the Mystery of Faith, the people acclaim their understanding and thanks for the saving mystery that is unfolding before their eyes, the Anamnesis (Memorial) & Offering, we do this in memory of Jesus, the second Epiclesis, we implore more from the Holy Spirit, the Petitions, prayers for the Communion of Saints and specific requests, the Doxology (per ipsum) & the Great Amen, the priest reminds us that it is "through - with - in HIM, in unity with the Holy Spirit, that we give glory and honor to the Father” and that we have our salvation for sin. We are caught up in the moment and respond with a HEARTFELT and JOYFUL "AMEN!" This article will focus on the Epiclesis.

We are kneeling at this point in the Sacrifice of Holy Mass. Kneeling in humble adoration, kneeling to participate in the greatest prayer know to man, kneeling as we anticipate the physical arrival of our loving God, only moments away. The excitement builds as the moment draws near; the sacrifice is beginning and Jesus is about to arrive. Jesus, who is both priest and victim, will soon be on the altar. First, the priest calls upon the Holy Spirit in the Epiclesis.

The Epiclesis is a prayer to God the Father in which the priest asks Him to send the Holy Spirit upon our gifts of bread and wine. The Greek word means “to call down upon” and these are the implied words of the priest. “Let it (our gifts of bread and wine) become for us the body and blood of Jesus Christ.” A bold request; to say the least. How dare we ask such a thing, and yet we are confident in this request because Jesus told us to do so (Mt. 26:26).

The Most Holy Trinity is actively involved and in a very concrete way. God the Father sends the Holy Spirit to change bread and wine into the body and blood of the Son. This is the same Holy Spirit sent by the Father to a young woman named Mary who agreed to give birth to the Son. This mystery is about to repeat itself by giving life to our offering (bread and wine). The body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus will once again take physical form on earth (bread and wine). Our Trinitarian God is always present, always available to us, always helping us, always.

The Holy Spirit’s actions in Holy Mass parallel His actions in Jesus’ life on earth. The Spirit “spoke through the prophets” to give us the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) that tell about God, His creation (us), our sin, and the promise of a Savior. He gave us the Christian Scriptures (New Testament) to identify that Savior, His life and teaching, His Church on earth, His sacrifice on the cross, and finally His resurrection and ascension into Heaven. These Scriptures tell us about the Passover in Egypt as the Israelites flee from Pharaoh and about the Passover of Jesus (the Last Supper). We hear these Scriptures at each Mass in the Liturgy of the Word. The connection is clear and purposeful. We are naturally led to the Last Supper and to Calvary as fulfillment of the Passover.

Next time we will discuss the Consecration. Please remember this is the Year of the Priest and to pray for all our priests. Holy Mother Church needs priests. May God continue to bless the USA as we celebrate our Independence Day.