September 4-5

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Continuing with our reflection on the Most Holy Eucharist we turn our attention to Pope Benedict XVI’s exhortation “Sacramentum Caritatis” given on February 22, 2009.

“In the Eucharist, the Son of God comes to meet us and desires to become one with us.  Eucharistic adoration is simply the natural consequence of the Eucharistic celebration, which is in itself the Church’s supreme act of adoration.  Receiving the Eucharist means adoring Him whom we receive.  Only in this way do we become one with Him, and are given, as it were, a foretaste of the beauty of the heavenly liturgy.  The act of adoration outside of Mass prolongs and intensifies all that takes place during the liturgical celebration itself.  Indeed, only in adoration can profound and genuine reception mature.  And it is precisely this personal encounter with the Lord that then strengthens the social mission contained in the Eucharist, which seeks to break down not only the wall that separates the Lord and ourselves, but also and especially the walls that separate us from one another.

I heartily recommend to the Church’s pastors and to the people of God the practice of Eucharistic adoration, both individually and in community.  Great benefit would ensue from a suitable catechesis explaining the importance of this act of worship, which enables the faithful to experience the liturgical celebration more fully and more fruitfully.  Whenever possible, it would be appropriate, especially in densely populated areas, to set aside specific churches or oratories for perpetual adoration.  I also recommend that, in their catechetical training, and especially in their preparation for First Holy Communion, children be taught the meaning and the beauty of spending time with Jesus, and helped to cultivate a sense of awe before His Presence in the Eucharist.

Dear Parents, in meditating on these words from Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, consider the promises you made at the time of your child’s Baptism to raise them in the love and practice of the faith.  What could be more beneficial for their souls than, along with weekly participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, you would bring your loved ones into the Presence of Our Lord in the Eucharistic Chapel?  I am sure that you and they would be enveloped in a peace and joy that you have never experienced before and that your family life will be enriched and prosper beyond your imagining.   He is always there waiting for you and if you think, mistakenly, that there is no time in your hectic schedules just try it and see what graces the Lord has waiting for you.  

With Blessings,

Fr. Langan