Inaugural Post - Holy Thursday, 2010

AMDG

Well, starting this blog was supposed to be a Lenten resolution, but I didn't manage to get it started until today.  But what better day is there than Holy Thursday to launch a blog all about living out the reality that the Eucharistic Sacrifice is the "source and summit of the whole Christian life" (Lumen Gentium Paragraph 11) ?

For quite some time I have wanted to work on a new "angle" for catechizing my children.  One that would provide me some focus, and give an opportunity for our whole family to grow in our relationship with Christ, but until recently, I couldn't decide what it should be.  Then one day I remembered learning that the Eucharistic Liturgy was described by Vatican II as both the source and the summit of the Christian life.  (Actually, the latest translation calls it the "fount and apex", but I think a little alliteration makes it more memorable, so I'm sticking with the older translation.)  It was perfect.  I have always stressed with our kids that worshiping God at Holy Mass is the single most important thing we humans can do.  Worship is so under-emphasized in today's world.  And besides being the apex of our lives as Christians, it is also the fount.  It is through the Eucharist that we receive the grace we need to carry out the work of God in the world, to live a life of true faith.  It is how, when and where we are fed the bread that gives everlasting life.

It seems so obvious now.  Of course the focus is the Eucharist!  And there is so much material out there to help us live a Eucharistic life more fully.  As a family, we must grow in our appreciation for the Eucharist.  We must become more devoted to the Holy Mass, and we must learn to draw our strength from there.  And if we do so, our lives will conform to Christ, and we will give glory to the Father as we have be created to do.

So why a blog?  Well, I have a lot of great ideas (or so they seem to me) that never see the light of day.  Accountability to an outside audience (I hope I will have one!) is more likely to make something come of this brainstorm.  And those who know me know that I am enamored of technology, so why not try doing this as a blog?  Besides, I hope that if some folks start reading this, I will get some good feedback and additional ideas.

So here it begins.  A personal journal of sorts, but also a reaching out to my Christian brothers and sisters for prayers, support and ideas.  And, God willing, perhaps inspiring someone else along the way.


Sing, my tongue, the Savior’s glory,
Of His flesh the mystery sing,
Of the blood, all price exceeding,
Shed by our immortal King,
Destined, for the world’s redemption,
From a noble womb to spring.


Of a pure and spotless virgin,
Born for us, His love to show,
He, as man, with man conversing,
Stayed, the seeds of truth to sow;
Then He closed in wondrous fashion,
This His life on earth below.


On the night of that Last Supper,
Seated with His chosen band,
He, the paschal victim eating,
First fulfills the law’s command;
Then as food to all His brethren
Gives Himself with His own hand.


Christ, the Word made Flesh, by speaking,
Earthly bread to flesh He turns;
Wine becomes His blood so precious—
Unconceived in human terms!
Hearts sincere perceive this marvel;
Faith its lessons quickly learns.


Down in adoration falling,
This great sacrament we hail;
Over ancient forms of worship
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith tells us that Christ is present
When our human senses fail.


To the everlasting Father,
And the Son Who made us free,
And the Spirit, God proceeding,
From them each eternally,
Be salvation, honor, blessing,
Might and endless majesty.


Amen!