SENT FORTH. We are finally at the end of my reflections on the 2002 Apostolic Letter Pope Francis issued on the Sacred Liturgy, ‘Desiderio Desideravi.’ I began this series in June 2022 [this is #49!] on the USA Bishops’ National Eucharistic Revival document The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church. And this is Part 2 of my thoughts on the closing words from our Bishops on why the Great Gift of Eucharist is so important. For past articles on this Revival, the whole document, and free study guide, go to our Parish website – stmaryrutherford.org – and click on National Eucharistic Revival Bulletin Articles.
Last week’s article was based on an option for the Dismissal in the Concluding Rites, which Pope Benedict XVI personally added to the 2011 Third Revision of the Roman Missal: “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” However, before we can ‘go’ and get to work, we must ‘know’ what we have received – and ‘how’ we can help build up God’s Kingdom on earth. I echo our Bishops’ plea that everyone do all they can to better understand the Sacred Mysteries, more actively participate in them, and be more faithful in celebrating them … as often as possible.
One reason the Hallmark Channel is so popular is that, in a world torn by strife and discord, wars and woes, we crave experiences that restore our hope, raise our spirits, move our hearts, calm our fears, and so on. Even ‘the news,’ which thrives on all that is sad or evil, upsetting, shocking, or disdainful, ’throws the dog a bone’ by ending with a heart-warming, hope-filled good deed or life-giving report, or a live-in-action story. This positive ending should also be the goal and endproduct of every Sacramental celebration!
The obligation or mandate to actively participate in weekly Mass is NOT only to fulfill a Commandment; it is required for our own good! We NEED a break from all that is wrong with our world; we NEED to recharge our batteries; and we NEED to record – in word and action – the Greatest Love Story ever told: how God, and His great, never-ending mercy, sent His Son to suffer and die to redeem us. Jesus, in turn, enables us to share in all He won for us by his Passion, Death and Resurrection when we take part in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Then, as His ambassadors [Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:20], we are to be His personal representatives, who bring Christ’s Love, in all we say and do, to everyone we meet.
This solemn duty is NOT limited to, or restricted to, Bishops, Priests, or Deacons; Religious Sisters or Brothers; Catechists or Liturgical Ministers; it is incumbent on EVERY baptized Christian. That is why Pope Francis exhorts each Christian, without exception, to be a ‘Missionary Disciple,’ who takes personal responsibility for promoting the Faith. For the love which we have come to know MUST be shared with others; it is not ours to keep to ourselves! As Pope Saint John XXIII said of the Church and our Faith: “We are not on
earth to guard a museum, but attend a blooming garden full of life.”
While we have countless role models in sharing the Good News among the Saints, I highlight just one: the first man called to be an Apostle, according to the fourth Gospel: “Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated Anointed).” [John 1:40-41] Unless everyone can say of us: “We have found the Messiah” here, at the Church of Saint Mary, I have failed as a Pastor. How can YOU help ME get a better grade in this ultimate test?
Let me end this series with a Call-To-Action, with as many suggestions I can conjure up to help you get more actively involved; they are in no particular order. Become a Liturgical Minister: Altar Server, Choir Member or Leader of Song; Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Mass and/or to those at home or in a nursing home or hospital; Hospitality Minister or Usher; Reader; Sacristan. Become a Catechetical Minister: a Catechist, Aide, or Office Assistant; a Children’s Liturgy of the Word Leader. Come to holy Mass during the week; attend Eucharistic Adoration; make private Visits to the Blessed Sacrament. Become the Presence of Christ, whom we receive in the Most Holy Eucharist!
With God’s love and my prayers,
Very Rev. Michael J. Kreder, VF, KCHS