"JESUS broke the bread which he gave to his disciples, and they did the same afterwards in observing his sacrament. In fact the earliest name for it was 'the bread-breaking'. He broke it himself, in token that his enemies would break his body; he broke it himself, because his sacrifice was voluntary, he consented that they should do what they did. In the prayers after the consecration I must also break the bread; I must break it over the name of Jesus when I pray for deliverance from all evils through his death. Must I break the body, must I perform in solemn symbol the work of Christ's executioners? I must, for I must accept, I must identify myself with his willingness to die for my salvation. There are no limits to the self-bestowing love of God; no truth is more common on our lips than this, and none more distant from our hearts." (Farrer, Crown of the Year)
"Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me," says Christ, "cannot be my disciple." We share in that cross, it lives in us when we receive the Sacrament of the Altar. Do we accept or reject this gift?
Serious question with serious consequences.
Your call,
LSP
3 comments:
There's a very very good video from Ignatius Press called "Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist." Which explains the whole Eucharist thing, in a way that makes sense.
Video starts out with the startling fact that at one time only 1/3 of Catholics believed the consecrated host and wine were actually the body and blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. (And this is what you get from Vatican II and removing all the Mysteries and Majesties out of one's religion, you carmine-clad jackwagons!!!)
It explains so much and even touches on Eucharistic Mysteries, of which I was never introduced to as a child growing up in the church (see aforementioned cursing of Vatican II and removal of mysteries and majesties... gee, it keeps coming back to the same thing, doesn't it?)
The movie does say that people are returning to the Church due to the more modern emphasis, sometimes against Rome's wishes, of the aforementioned mysteries and majesties.
It's well worth it at $18.00 from the 'Zon.
My wife and I talked about that video for about two hours afterwards. And we'll watch it during Lent next year.
Nice one, Beans, I'll check it out.
Do you have some recommendations for which of Farrer's books to start with? I seriously think these are your words when I begin to read the posts. (I believe that is a high compliment) I have made effort with others (and within myself) to identify what our Cross is. It is different for all. Give us our daily bread means give us the Lord Jesus Christ... the Eucharist - the Divine Liturgy. Peace!
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