Saint Benedict and the Eucharist

Picture caption:  Laborare est Orare ('to work is to pray')- 

a 1862 painting by John Rogers Herbert 

which depicts monks at work in the fields.

Saint Benedict (AD 480-550) was the founder of Western monasticism and is regarded as a patron Saint of Europe.  He wrote a Rule for monks living communally under the authority of an Abbot.  This serves as the founding document of Benedictine monasticism and spirituality.  Over the centuries, Benedictine monasticism spread across the  world; Benedictine monasticism was introduced into Ireland during the eleventh- and twelfth-century church reforms, and expanded further around the time of the Norman settlement.  An important branch of the Benedictine family is the Cistercian Order, founded at Cîteaux in 1098 by Saints Robert of Molesme, Alberic and Stephen Harding.

Divine and human mystery

 

Sunday 12 July 2026

Lectio Divina:*

Isaiah 55:10-11 Psalm 64(65)

Romans 8:18-23 Matthew 13:1-23

Meditatio:

‘But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty’ (Matthew 13:23)

Commentary:

Since retirement and moving to the countryside, I have had the space, time and opportunity to take up gardening. I am still learning. The pleasure of seeing something grow from a tiny seed is a reward in itself. Yet I am very aware that I am only a partner in the process.

Someone else harvested, processed and packaged the seeds. The soil provided nourishment. Sunshine and plentiful Irish rain created the conditions for growth. And still, many seedlings failed to appear. Of the twenty-four seeds I planted in one tray, perhaps only half made it as far as transplanting. Gardening is a humbling experience.

Why the ritual?

 

Question: why is there so much ritual in the Roman Catholic liturgy?

Answer:  To understand the role of ritual in the liturgy, we must first remember that the liturgy is the work of God, who continues to sanctify his people through the sacraments. In the Eucharist, Christ becomes truly present and draws us into his saving sacrifice.

Catholic liturgy – including the Eucharist – is rooted in ancient tradition and is anchored in clear rites, prayers, and customs so that the mysteries of Christ may be celebrated faithfully and handed on from generation to generation. A free-for-all approach does not sit comfortably with this tradition. We are dealing with sacred realities that transcend personal preference and popular fashion.

A thin place

Church of the Immaculate Conception*, Inis Meáin, County Galway, Ireland. The inscription on the altar cloth translates as 'My Lord and my God'. The stain glass window is the work of the famous artist, Harry Clarke.

To mark our anniversary, we are spending some time on one of the three Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. It is a refreshing break from the heatwave in the south-east of Ireland. With temperatures 10–12 degrees lower than at home, the cool, fresh climate is most welcome.

The sign of peace

Question: Why do people shake hands at Mass?

Answer:  The Sign of Peace is a powerful gesture and reminder that we participate in the Eucharist not as isolated individuals but as members of the Body of Christ. It calls us to be reconciled with one another before we approach the altar (Matthew 5:23-24). It is also an expression of friendship, communion and goodwill towards those gathered around us. In exchanging the Sign of Peace, we are wishing the peace of Christ upon our neighbours, recalling the words of the Risen Lord who greeted his disciples, saying, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19–26).

There are numerous references in the New Testament to Christians greeting one another with a “holy kiss”: Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26 and 1 Peter 5:14. Saint Paul reminds us:

Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread  (1 Corinthians 10:17).

Why so often?

Question: Why do some Catholics go to Mass often including, in some cases, every day?

Answer: Clearly, the answer must lie in the good sense and experience of those who attend very frequently.  Very frequent attendance might be defined, here, as attending more often than once a week on Sunday – or on a Holy Day - which is required of all Catholics.  A more frequent participation in the Mass along with reception of Holy Communion is a daily exercise that greatly adds to other exercises such as walking, eating, reading and giving thanks.  More frequent participation in the Eucharist nourishes our relationship with Christ and strengthens us for Christian discipleship.

Our First and our Last Communions

by Riccardo Sanno

The story of an eleven-year-old girl who was murdered on this day in 1902 following a sexual assault is an extraordinary one. By any reasonable judgement, victims of sexual violence bear no guilt if they are unable to resist an attack. Nevertheless, Maria Goretti is honoured for her heroic witness, courage, and forgiveness. For a brief account of her story see here.

St Maria Goretti did not write about the Mass, but she lived its meaning profoundly. Her life reflected the sacrificial love, forgiveness and union with Christ that the Mass makes present. Having made her First Holy Communion only a short time before her death, she received her final Holy Communion with the same if not more fervour and devotion. May the same be true for those of us who have received the Eucharist over many years.