Tag Archives: Eucharist

Let’s leave the final word to Pope John Paul II: 62. Let us take our place, dear brothers and sisters, at the school of the saints, who are the great interpreters of true Eucharistic piety. In them the theology of … Continue reading →

This is good. The experience of the Eucharist cannot be reduced to human terms. The Eucharist “must be experienced and lived.” 61. The mystery of the Eucharist – sacrifice, presence, banquet – does not allow for reduction or exploitation; it … Continue reading →

Yesterday we discussed the example of Pope John Paul in reflecting on personal experience, the Scriptures, and the Eucharist. Today, a wider view: 60. At the dawn of this third millennium, we, the children of the Church, are called to … Continue reading →

The conclusion begins; the first of four numbered sections: 59. Ave, verum corpus natum de Maria Virgine! Several years ago I celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of my priesthood. Today I have the grace of offering the Church this Encyclical on … Continue reading →

We conclude our examination of Pope John Paul II’s reflection of Mary and the Eucharist: 58. In the Eucharist the Church is completely united to Christ and his sacrifice, and makes her own the spirit of Mary. This truth can … Continue reading →

John Paul II’s reflection takes us from the Biblical events of the Passion into the honor Christians have given the Blessed Mother from the earliest days in both East and West: 57. “Do this in remembrance of me” (Lk 22:19). In … Continue reading →

The reflection on Mary continues. In section 56, a look at the events of the Paschal Mystery: 56. Mary, throughout her life at Christ’s side and not only on Calvary, made her own the sacrificial dimension of the Eucharist. When she brought … Continue reading →

John Paul II dials back to the Joyful Mysteries: 55. In a certain sense Mary lived her Eucharistic faith even before the institution of the Eucharist, by the very fact that she offered her virginal womb for the Incarnation of … Continue reading →

Two luminous mysteries form the substance of today’s section, the last and the first: 54. Mysterium fidei! If the Eucharist is a mystery of faith which so greatly transcends our understanding as to call for sheer abandonment to the word of … Continue reading →

After a more difficult section with no little chiding from the Holy Father, we turn to a topic close to his heart, and indeed, to the hearts of hundreds of millions of Catholics. Chapter Six is entitled, “At the School of … Continue reading →

With this section, we move away from the arts and into liturgical practice proper.  Literally. Pope John Paul II was acutely aware that much responsibility for the celebration of the Eucharist falls on clergy. He felt it himself, to be … Continue reading →

Let’s explore inculturation: 51. The development of sacred art and liturgical discipline which took place in lands of ancient Christian heritage is also taking place on continents where Christianity is younger. This was precisely the approach supported by the Second … Continue reading →

John Paul II contrasts and compares the art of East and West: 50. In this effort to adore the mystery grasped in its ritual and aesthetic dimensions, a certain “competition” has taken place between Christians of the West and the … Continue reading →

The Eucharistic experience of believers became so rich that it sparked the spiritual imagination outside of Mass. Not only in devotional life, but the Eucharist also influenced human art forms–not just art and architecture, but also music. 49. With this heightened sense … Continue reading →

Generosity is a virtue: 48. Like the woman who anointed Jesus in Bethany, the Church has feared no “extravagance”, devoting the best of her resources to expressing her wonder and adoration before the unsurpassable gift of the Eucharist. No less … Continue reading →