The fruits of the Eucharist

 

Once again, I had occasion to visit my local cathedral for Sunday Mass. One thing in particular struck me as I was leaving afterwards.

The celebrant—who would usually greet people at the door—was sitting, still vested for Mass, in a pew, listening intently to a young woman. I thought that she might be distressed. In any case, I had a strong sense that this moment captured something essential:

…this is what it is all about – serving and loving each person one by one as we are sent out into the world from the celebration.

For me it tied together three things from this morning’s mass:

1             The ‘post-communion’ prayer for this Sunday which reads as follows:

Almighty, ever-living God, who restore us to eternal life in the Resurrection of Christ, increase in us, we pray, the fruits of this paschal Sacrament and pour into our hearts the strength of this saving food, through Christ our Lord. Amen

2             Today’s daily reflection from the Focolare movement:

‘Isn’t it true that the world today wants to see people who truly give witness to the love of Jesus?  Therefore, let us love with deeds, rather than with words, starting with the humble service asked of us every day by those right net to us’ (Chiara Lubich, May 1988).

3             Communion reflections for the Sixth Sunday of Easter from an old missal I have kept:

Lord Jesus I reverence you in my heart.  You sent the Holy Spirit to me at confirmation.  May the Spirit of Truth help me to understand your words and strengthen me in my daily life to follow your example. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in us the fire of your love.