Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: August 12, 2018
Our Sunday Gospel readings continue from John’s sixth chapter – the well-known Bread of Life discourse – providing an opportunity to review our understandings of the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Church knows that the matter consecrated by Christ Jesus through the action of a validly-ordained Catholic priest actually becomes the Lord’s own Body and Blood, while retaining the external appearances of bread and wine. We never describe the Eucharistic elements as simply “representing” Christ, “symbolizing” Him, or “reminding” us of Him: once consecrated they are and remain Him.
As a result of His Real Presence in the Eucharist, our reverence toward Jesus’ Body and Blood, and the care with which we handle and receive Holy Communion, is of top priority. I suggest we all examine our own attitudes and actions: make sure to show respect for Christ present in Church always by reverent silence, and by a purposeful bow, or even better by genuflection, toward the tabernacle if possible. After the consecration at Mass, adore the Lord who has given His life for us. When receiving Holy Communion, whether placed in your extended, cupped hand or directly on the tongue, whether the host alone or also from the chalice – these are your choices to make – be sure to do so reverently and attentively. And always spend time in a fervent prayer of thanksgiving after sharing in so great a gift!
Christ is also present to us in other ways, albeit lesser ones, of course. He is present in His holy Word contained and proclaimed in Scripture, as well as manifest in those who exercise sacred ministry and indeed within the entire believing assembly gathered for worship. He is also present in a special way in the poor and needy. It would be the height of arrogance to claim proper reverence for Jesus in Holy Communion while dismissing Him in these other ways. Number 1397 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is particularly clear: “The Eucharist commits us to the poor. To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognize Christ in the poorest, His brethren.” So we should also examine our consciences regularly: have we failed the Lord by being false to the breadth of His presences?
Again, thank you for your attention to the Eucharist this month! It is precisely the kind of focus that the Church wishes us to have.
Now let’s move on. Did you hear that huge collective sigh of relief last week? I’m pretty sure it was the shared sense of gratitude of thousands of parents throughout the territory of the Diocese of Baton Rouge as their children went back to school!
Summertime is rightly a season of relaxation, but the far more important tasks of education and growth in maturity can never take a back seat for long! Especially within the comprehensive context of one of our excellent Catholic schools or proper faith-based home-schooling, something incredibly important happens. It often takes the benefit of adult hindsight to realize just how important one’s youthful education is. Most of us grown-ups look back on our early schooling, and where this happened, fondly. But grown-up alumni are not just being nostalgic over remembered parties, clubs, sports victories and old friends: the strongest “school pride” is fostered by lessons learned and guidance appreciated.
Here in Baton Rouge this year – and in St. Joseph Cathedral Parish – we are taking special pride in the oldest high school in our city, St. Joseph’s Academy. Founded here in our Parish, just down 4th Street, by the Sisters of St. Joseph 150 years ago this year, it has been part of the social fabric of our community ever since. The school is hosting many celebratory activities this year to commemorate the anniversary, including a special 2 pm Eucharist here on Sunday, October 21. I’ll close by sharing two hopes: one, that you can be here for that special Mass and Reception, and two, that you keep the Sisters and their beloved Academy in your prayers before and after!
Sincerely in the Lord,
Fr. Paul D. Counce
