Explore the Treasures -- Part 4

     At this point in our series, I would like to make a clarification: I am not giving a thorough teaching on the Mass. My aim is to try to convey the necessity of parents to teach their children about the Catholic faith – most especially the fact that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist.  
 
     Having explored the liturgy of the Word, we will now penetrate the liturgy of the Eucharist. We begin with the Offertory, when the priest offers the bread and wine for the sacrifice. This is the time that we join with the priest in offering to God all that we are – our strengths and weaknesses, our joys and struggles; all we have done – our successes and failures; who we are and who we hope to be. We ask that God will take us and transform us by the power of His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will change the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Open the Door

     “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” (Jn. 20 vs. 19-23).


     Filled with fear for their lives, the disciples hid, locked away. Most of them had been in hiding since the horrible events of Thursday evening had taken place, while others joined them later. Their Master had been betrayed, scourged and crucified. Most of them felt ashamed of the way they acted during Christ’s passion. They were confused, perplexed and heavy hearted.

Our Wickedness

     “Though your servant is careful of them, very diligent in keeping them, yet who can detect failings? Cleanse me from my unknown faults! (Ps. 19 vs. 12-14)



      I always loved God, but when the Holy Spirit touched my heart in a profound way in my late twenties, my relationship with God became a priority. Over time, I had incorporated in my life many religious practices that helped me to grow closer to God: reading Holy Scripture, attending weekday Mass when possible, frequent confession, quiet prayer time and spiritual reading. I was delighted when my schedule allowed for a day of prayer and reflection. A special time set apart from the everyday hustle and bustle of family life.