Use & abuse of the Holy Mass
Fr. BEL R. SAN LUIS, SVD
An elderly woman, accompanied by a young doctor, was being wheeled into the operating room in preparation for surgery.
Visibly nervous, she blurted out, "Doctor, please be gentle with me. This is my first time to be operated on."
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The youthful surgeon glanced at her and said, "It’s all right, madam. This is also my first time to do an operation." (Dunno if the patient survived!).
When a doctor tells you not to worry your operation will be successful – even if it’s his first time! – and you believe him, that’s making a leap of faith.
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Similarly in the Last Supper, Christ tells His apostles to believe in the Eucharist, to eat His Body and drink His Blood, doing it "in memory of Me" (Lk 22:19-20; 1 Cor 11:25) even though they didn’t understand how His body could become life-giving food and His blood, nourishing drink.
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But that’s what the Lord commanded and that’s why Holy Thursday is called Maundy Thursday because it commemorates the "commands" (mandata) which Jesus gave us.
Hence, the Mass or Eucharist was instituted by Jesus Himself before He died. It is not an invention of the Church nor an idea of the popes.
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But Christ wanted to remain present, too, to be with us physically – not just to be remembered. This brings us to the specifically Catholic teaching called the "Real Presence" of Christ when, in the Last Supper, He said "This is My Body. This is My Blood."
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The other command of Jesus is expressed by His dramatic and moving example of washing the feet of His disciples. "But if I washed your feet – I who am Teacher and Lord – then you must wash each other’s feet."
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Christ’s dramatic act illustrates humble service which should be exemplified by all, but especially those who are vested with authority like government officials, heads of firms and organizations, parents, not to mention bishops and priests.
Effect of the Eucharist
How come some people receive the body and blood of Christ regularly and nothing happens? Why is there no progress in their conduct and spiritual lives?
We have to remember that the effect of the Eucharist does not work automatically. We are people, not robots. God respects our free will, albeit distorted at times.
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This explains why, despite Christ’s redemption, there are unscrupulous people: Killers and terrorists, drug pushers, purveyors of pornography and hardened criminals.
Moreover, in this time of political turmoil, the Holy Mass has been abused when partisan groups used it to vent their ire and incite people to divide the country.
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The Holy Mass ought to be a sacrament of unity, love, peace and reconciliation. But what’s been happening is it has become a medium to sow divisiveness, hatred and virulent attacks, thus defeating its sacred purpose.
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Finally, did you know that the reception of Christ’s body and blood in Holy Communion guarantees eternal life?
Listen to Christ’s words: "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has life eternal and I will raise him up on the last day" (Jn 6: 53).
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If Jesus’ flesh and blood guarantee eternal life after death, wouldn’t you do everything to seek it in order to achieve eternal life?
Hence, let’s appreciate the Holy Mass by faithfully, regularly attending it and receiving the Bread that guarantees eternal life.
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‘7 LAST WORDS.’ The SVD Mission Communications Foundation, Inc. will telecast live on ABS-CBN Channel 2 the "7 Last Words" on Good Friday, March 21, 2008 at 12-3 p.m. from the Shrine of the Divine Word at Christ the King Seminary Compound on E. Rodriguez Blvd., QC.
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Together with the bishop of Cubao diocese, Honesto Ongtioco, and SVD preachers, well-known personalities, namely: Sr. Eva Maamo, Lou Veloso, Riza Singson-Kawpeng, Alvin Lacambra, Candy Pangilinan, Joey Velasco, Meng Torres, will inspire listeners on their personal spiritual experiences.
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Everyone is invited to attend the "Seven Last Words" Service at the Shrine of the Divine Word, Christ the King Seminary Compound on E. Rodriguez Blvd., QC or tune in to ABS-CBN, Channel 2.
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