“Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them.” The Eucharist: Gather and Prepare
Throughout the Old Testament, God was gathering and preparing his people for the gift of the Most Holy Eucharist: the Passover (Ex 12:7), Manna in the dessert (Ex 16:4), the Temple (2 Chr 5:14; 6:1, 2, 18), etc.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, God’s Son, was gathering and preparing his followers for the gift of the Most Holy Eucharist, which by his death and resurrection became a reality for them and us: the Wedding Feast at Cana (Jn 2: 7, 9, 10), the multiplication of the loaves (Mk 6: 41-42, 44), the Last Supper (Luke 22:19), the road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 30-21).
Through the multiplication of the loaves at the beginning of the Bread of Life Discourse in chapter six of John’s Gospel, Christ gathers those who followed him and prepares them to come to him, to believe in him, and to feed on him – the Bread of Life.
The Introductory Rites of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass both gather us and prepare us to participate in the offering of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist and to receive him in Holy Communion:
- The Procession – we make our way from our homes to the church.
- The Entrance Chant or Hymn – we begin our celebration together, united in song.
- The Sign of the Cross and Greeting – we welcome the presence of the Lord among us and respond as his Body, the Church.
- The Penitential Act – we acknowledge our sins.
- The Gloria – we sing a hymn of praise to God.
- The Collect – we call to mind our intentions and offer them to God in prayer.
Reflect: Do I Gather and Prepare?
- Do I gather with the Church for Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation as prescribed by the third commandment?
- Do I pay attention at Mass?
- Do I participate fully, consciously, and actively not only in what I say, sing, and do, but with my mind and heart?
- Do I prepare for Mass?
- Do I dress appropriately, signifying that something extraordinary is taking place?
- Do I arrive early and spiritually prepare by spending time in prayer and in silence before the Blessed Sacrament?
- Do I make an effort to read the Scripture readings that will be proclaimed ahead of time so that I am familiar with them?
- Do I enter into the action of the Introductory Rites – singing, responding, acknowledging my sinfulness, giving praise to God, and offering my intentions for Mass in prayer?
Hopefully these reflection questions will help us go deeper in our experience of the celebration of the Eucharist.
Your Servant in Christ,
Fr. Jason C. Hage
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
Mary, Mother of Our Savior, pray for us!