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Third Sunday of Lent
March 7, 2010
One of the most difficult problems we face with the
Eucharist is taking it seriously. How
can we Americans take seriously something that is so inexpensive, readily
available, and open to practically everyone. When you shell out $150 to see a Broadway show,
you know you are going to a theatrical event that must be taken seriously. When the Super Bowl is played, you have to
make room for it in your life or you will not have a chance to see it for
another year. But the Eucharist is like
a life-long running movie on HBO--if you are busy today, you can always see it
later. If you fall asleep during the
show, you can always DVR it and watch it again.
Spiritual writers from at least the time of St. Ignatius
Loyola have recognized the problem of routine and have emphasized that the most
important time in prayer is the beginning, or even before you begin. This is true for the Eucharist also.
Are you willing to prepare for the Eucharist? For most people; I'm afraid not, but shouldn't
you be? A last minute rush to
church--getting the family together, finding a parking place, rushing in to
find a seat--isn’t conducive to a prayerful experience. How many times have you found yourself unable
to remember what the Scripture readings were by the time the priest begins his
homily?
Our minds are so busy, distracted or sleepy that the Word
of God goes in one ear and out the other. St. Ignatius tells us to begin all our prayers
with a recognition of God's presence and with a preparatory prayer asking God
for the grace to be attentive to His praise and service. That’s why we bless ourselves before the
gospel reading on our minds, our lips and our hearts. The Eucharist demands at the very least a
moment's reflection about why we are here and what we are about to do.
Ideally, we should also prepare for the Eucharist by
reading and praying over the Scripture readings before the celebration. Taking the Eucharist seriously and beginning
it conscientiously may be the most important things we can do as individuals to
renew our liturgical celebration. I know
it’s the third Sunday of Lent, but there’s still time left.
As we enter fully into this year’s season of Lent, I beg
you to consider what you do to prepare for and celebrate the great gift we have
in our weekly celebration of the Eucharist.
Next weekend St. Gabriel’s will be on our Lenten
Retreat. Our retreat master is Fr.
Dominic Briese, O.P. He will give the
homily at all weekend Masses and offer an evening of reflection on Monday the
15th through Wednesday the 17th. Please mark your calendars and make this Lent
different by your participation and renewal in Christ.
On Friday this week I leave on a very special
pilgrimage. For the first time, I’ll go
to the Holy Land – to the place where Jesus
walked. I wish you could all join me in
person, but you will be with me in my prayer.
Please pray for a safe journey.
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