Liturgy: “Source of Church Activity – Source of Sanctification”
Noblest Form of the Liturgy – “The Eucharist”
I suspect that this information was essentially a brief outline to a much larger talk. When asked why we single out the Eucharist as the “real” presence, I recall him say that it was because critics challenged it. The Church wanted to give emphasis to the presence as not figurative or as empty symbolism. It is the sacred sign that conveys what it signifies.
—Father Jenkins
Study of the Eucharist from the Perspective of Presences
PREAMBLE – All presences are real. That is why the Eucharist is called, “The Blessed Sacrament.”
HOW ARE THE PRESENCES EFFECTED?
Christ as man has a limited presence by space and time.
Christ as God has risen beyond space and time. He has unlimited presence in space and time. This is why at the Last Supper Christ could render present what was effectively done later on Good Friday.
Christ’s action is once and for all. (He does not die again.)
Sacraments (signs) are efficacious and give the action of Christ a here-and-now existence.
Why do we look at the “past”? – It is to better understand what the unseen Christ is doing in the Liturgy. What he “did,” he “does.”
Why do we look to the future? We are working now with Christ toward the full realization of the divine plan. I experience in hope; I already have a pledge of the future. We are contributing to the future, now (“thy” Kingdom come”).
We are building the future now with Christ. The future is not just a question of a time sequence. It is a state of perfection which exists when God’s plan comes to fruition. We work for that plan now and God works with us.
PRESENCES
1. Assembly
2. Presiding Priest
3. Word
4. Eucharist
Msgr. William J. Awalt
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