As we prepare for Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on this First Friday, October 5, please consider reading such passages in Holy Scripture as Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:17-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, and John 6:48-72; and in the Catechism of the Catholic Church #1324: “The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life.’ ‘The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ Himself…’”
In the Church’s beautiful Instruction on the Eucharist (Redemptionis Sacramentum), we read in #134: “The worship of the Eucharist outside of the Sacrifice of the Mass is a tribute of inestimable value in the life of the Church. Such worship is closely linked to the celebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice” (Pope Saint John Paul II, Encyclical, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, #25). Therefore, both public and private devotion to the Most Holy Eucharist even outside Mass should be vigorously promoted, for by means of it the faithful give adoration to Christ, truly and really present, the “High Priest of the good things to come” and Redeemer of the whole world (Hebrews 9:11; Ecclesia de Eucharistia, #3; Council of Trent, Session XIII, 11 October 1551). “It is the responsibility of sacred Pastors, even by the witness of their life, to support the practice of Eucharistic worship and especially Exposition of the Most Holy Sacrament, as well as prayer of adoration before Christ present under the Eucharistic species” (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, #25).
As disciples of Christ, may we keep these teachings from Scripture and Tradition in mind and heart as we once again have Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on a First Friday of the month at Saint Clement. May we deepen in our experience of God’s love for us – for, as we adore Him in the Holy Eucharist, Jesus Christ gives us the grace to deepen in our personal relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As Saint Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975) has said: “Jesus has remained in the Sacred Host for us so as to stay by our side, to sustain us, to guide us. And love can only be repaid with love. How could we not turn to the Blessed Sacrament each day, even if it is only for a few minutes, to bring Him our greetings and our love as children and as brothers and sisters?” (Furrow, #686). Jesus, I trust in You. Saint Josemaría and Saint Clement, pray for us. Saint Joseph, pray for us. Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, pray for us.
With peace and prayers in Christ,
Fr. William
Saint Clement Parish 