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"Becoming Whom We Eat"
Eucharist. Mass. Liturgy. Ask Catholic Christians what distinguishes us from all other Christians, and the Mass, the Liturgy, the Sacrament of Eucharist is bound to be a predominant answer. And there is a good reason for that. We believe the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life. Yet, our celebration of the Christian mystery is one of the least understood aspects of the faith, both among Catholics and those interested in our faith.
What is the Mass?
"A good way to describe the Mass is to say that it is Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday made present today in ritual. It is not merely a meal which reminds us of the Last Supper or a Passion Play which helps recall Good Friday, or a Sunrise Service which celebrates the Lord's Resurrection. It is Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday." Thomas Richstatter, O.F. M.
To read a step-by-step explanation of the Mass, read here
What do you mean "we become whom we eat?"
"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him" John 6:56
One beautiful belief of the Catholic Church (among many!) is that by participating in the Eucharist, we are transformed, we quite literally become what we eat. "By eating the Body and drinking the Blood of Christ in the Eucharist, we become united to the person of Christ through his humanity" U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Through the Eucharist we become more intimately united with Jesus. Jesus becomes part of us as we become more fully part of Jesus.
To read more about what Catholics do and do not believe about the Eucharist, read here
What does this have to do with Lent and "giving up chocolate?"
If there is one thing Catholics get right, it is Lent. We're so good at giving of ourselves, praying more and then there's everyone's favorite, fasting! Our individualistic culture, however, gives us the wrong message about Lent. We tend to think of Lent as something WE DO. We decide what to give up for Lent. We try to purge and purify ourselves from weakness, limitations, sinfulness. Our faith tells us otherwise. We do not initiate conversion and change in our lives. God does.
Instead of "giving up chocolate," could this Lent be a time for you to come more often to Mass, to begin receiving Eucharist more regularly, to become more of who you eat? Here are 10 reasons to consider Mass this Lent.
Learning more a bit more about the Catholic faith - taking on other common misunderstandings
Christians believe in God who is transcendent, but who is ALSO physically present on this earth inside of human beings. For Christians, God is "in-carnus." God became flesh AND God continues to dwell among us. Physically and literally continues to dwell among us! How? Through the Body of Christ, the Church, the People of God and also through the Sacraments and the sacrament that is creation and ordinary life. Here are some resources on common misunderstandings about what Catholics do and do not believe:
Got some great resources on a particular Catholic tradition? E-mail Dr. Kristina DeNeve with your suggestions!
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Mass and Catholic Traditions
