On this weeks programme John continues his discussion with Fr Frank Duhig reflecting on the Mass. We have our regular visit with the saints of the week as well as a short reflection on this weeks Sunday gospel.
This week Fr Frank Duhig returns to continue his reflections on the Mass. Fr Frank tells us how Christ is present in four different ways when the Eucharist is celebrated. Theologians point out that Christ is present in the congregation, in the ordained priest, in the Word of God and in what we call the Eucharistic species, the Real Presence of Christ. We use the phrase 'I believe' four times in the Creed. First we focus on our belief in God the Father, then the Son, followed by the Holy Spirit and finally the Church founded by Christ. Fr Frank then reflects with us on the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Moving from the Ambo to the Altar, the Mass continues with the Offertory or the preparation of the Gifts. The Eucharistic Prayer now follows at the the heart of which is the Consecration Prayer when our gifts of Bread and Wine become the the Real Presence of Christ as the Priest prays 'THIS IS MY BODY, THIS IS MY BLOOD'. Fr Frank reminds us that none of us understands this but we accept by faith based on the teaching of Jesus.Fr Frank reminds us of the importance of what he calls the Great Amen at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer. After reflecting on everyone praying the 'Our Father' prayer, Fr Frank reflects on the Sign of Peace before we come to the part of the Mass where Jesus offers us his Body at Communion. We now come to the end of Mass and Fr Frank reminds us of being 'sent out' to go in Peace to love and serve the Lord.