It begins on the altar

The Eucharist is not a mere private devotion or practice reserved for a spiritual elite. Yes, of course, it is necessary and good that all of humanity be brought to the fullness of truth that is in Christ and that, I believe, is fully expressed in the Roman Catholic Church notwithstanding the many individual and collective acts of betrayal of some of its membership, including its leadership.

It is a scandal when the Eucharist is celebrated to condone or congratulate emperors, slave owners and despots.  In its long history, the Church has discovered and rediscovered the essential truths of the Gospel in its practice of the Eucharist purified of political associations either imposed or willingly embraced. I am thinking here, for example, of the association of some Catholics with fascist regimes in the mid-20^th Century. We have to face the truths of history with honesty.

I was delighted to see an initiative of the Catholic Church in the Philippines recently. In a PastoralLetter issued by its bishops about the 4^th White Ribbon Day, held last Sunday, it states:

As our nation continues to confront the challenges of corruption, injustice, and the erosion of public trust, let us not lose hope. On June 28, various religious groups will hold the White Ribbon March at the EDSA People Power Monument as a faith-based and non-partisan call for truth, accountability, justice, and righteousness in public life. Those who, guided by their conscience and local circumstances, wish to participate in this peaceful gathering may do so prayerfully and respectfully.

Above all, let us remember that the true source of our strength is the Lord present in the Eucharist. Do not forget to participate in the celebration of the Holy Mass on Sunday, June 28. The power of the Eucharist renews hearts and transforms lives, enabling us to become instruments of justice, reconciliation, and hope.

Could we just imagine for a moment if other national conferences of Catholic bishops endorsed lay-led movements for life, justice, climate action or the welcoming of immigrants? True, many Roman Catholics and Christians do not agree with the stance of the Church on some of these issues.  Should this deter us?  Perhaps we might begin to reclaim just a little bit of the lost ground resulting from longer-term secular trends and greatly exacerbated by scandals.

Why, as Catholics, are we so afraid to give public witness to our faith?  Do we have faith in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist to transform our hearts and our societies? Our faith in the real presence of Christ in this sacrament – which is a communion in his Body and Blood and a re-presentation of the graces flowing from his death and resurrection - is the starting point for our collective action.

The Church is not a political movement and does not take sides in the conventional categories of left and right, liberal and conservative. However, it can and must speak and act as a body for the dignity of all human beings.  It may put us at odds with all the major political expressions. This is so in Ireland. So be it. We can still work with others on an issue-by-issue basis, while, at the same time promoting a consistent whole of life ethic of solidarity, respect, fairness and equality.

As Simone Lorenzo-Peckson wrote in a recent article (Philippine Bishops: A just society begins with the Eucharist) on the excellent Aleteia platform:

Every worthy reception of Holy Communion transforms us into instruments of justice, charity, and hope. A just society, therefore, is not first built in legislatures or public squares. It begins on the altar.

Send us out, Lord, from each Mass to do your work!  The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few.