June 14, 2007
Focus: All Roads Lead to Rome
Dear Friend,
In 1997 I was on a three-month sabbatical studying in Rome and at the Vatican. It was an extraordinary year for me and a real renewal of my ministry. The 38 of us priests who studied at the North American College there, were from dioceses across the United States, with one fellow from Kenya. So close were we, and so much did we want to continue our theological renewal, that we continued to gather every June since then for a week of study. Each year a different priest would host the others and draw on local seminary, college, and diocesan offices for speakers.
This June is our 10th Anniversary and we are all heading back to Rome and the Vatican for our week of renewal. We fly out of Kennedy Airport in New York on Monday afternoon. In addition to speakers, celebrating Mass in St. Peter’s and other ancient churches, our plans include an audience with Pope Benedict XVI and a private tour of Castelgondolfo, the Pope’s summer residence. Of course there will a gelato run every evening. After all, “All work and no play …” applies to priests as well.
This means, of course, that I will not be writing for the next two weeks. My weekly message, “This and That,” and homily will resume on Thursday, July 5, 2006.
Till then be well.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Weekly THIS AND THAT for June 17, 2007: Our Lady of Grace Welcomes Its New Permanent Deacon
This and That:
Our Lady of Grace Welcomes Its New Permanent Deacon
On May 19th at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Cardinal Keeler ordained nine men to the Permanent Diaconate and for service to the Church of Baltimore. Our Lady of Grace was fortunate to have one of them – Lee Benson – assigned to our parish. He will begin on July 1st, although he was present at all the Masses last weekend to preach and assist at the liturgy. A welcome reception followed the 10:30am Mass.
Lee is married to his wife Debbie and they have three children. He is the head of a family-owned business that sells tools and supplies to suppliers, and also leases warehouses in three states. He has been a parishioner of St. Ignatius Parish in Hickory. He has a wonderful story to tell of how a successful businessman got involved in parish ministry and then realized that God was calling him to greater service to the Church as an ordained minister. We have been waiting with a sense of excitement to welcome Deacon Lee to our parish and last weekend we were able to do so.
I asked him to take a moment to tell us something about himself and his first impressions of visiting the campus. The following are his remarks.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Words from Deacon Lee:
The first son of Lee and Genevieve Benson, I grew up as the middle child in a family of five. After graduation from Loyola High School in 1970, I went to Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, Ohio. At a fraternity party I met a charming and wonderful woman. Debbie, attending nearby Ursuline College, soon became a close friend. After we both graduated we married and moved to Baltimore. I went to work full time at the family business, L. A. Benson Company. The Lord blessed us with three children, Coleman (1980), Ashley (1981) and Lee IV (1989). With the retirement of my Father from the family business, I became the President and CEO of the company. Our oldest son is married and we are blessed to have three grandsons.
On the retreat just before our Ordination our Retreat Director asked us to read an article on homiletics written by Archbishop Dolan. In the article Archbishop Dolan offers a reflection on the quote from Scripture, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus” (John 12:21). This phrase so caught my attention that I kept coming back to it during my prayer and reflection. If I had to summarize my hopes for ministry at Our Lady of Grace, I think this verse does an adequate job. My hope is that my ministry will help us all to see Jesus a little more clearly. I hope that we will all see Jesus more clearly in the Eucharist, Sacred Scripture and most of all in one another.
I thank Fr. Nick, Elaine Hagner, and Paul Michaud for a very warm welcome. I certainly see why Our Lady of Grace is a “welcoming, worshipping community of faith.” The parish campus, the church and the Education Center are beautiful. I look forward to sharing Sunday worship with the community and getting to know the welcoming people of Our Lady of Grace.
Sincerely,
Deacon Lee Benson
Our Lady of Grace Welcomes Its New Permanent Deacon
On May 19th at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Cardinal Keeler ordained nine men to the Permanent Diaconate and for service to the Church of Baltimore. Our Lady of Grace was fortunate to have one of them – Lee Benson – assigned to our parish. He will begin on July 1st, although he was present at all the Masses last weekend to preach and assist at the liturgy. A welcome reception followed the 10:30am Mass.
Lee is married to his wife Debbie and they have three children. He is the head of a family-owned business that sells tools and supplies to suppliers, and also leases warehouses in three states. He has been a parishioner of St. Ignatius Parish in Hickory. He has a wonderful story to tell of how a successful businessman got involved in parish ministry and then realized that God was calling him to greater service to the Church as an ordained minister. We have been waiting with a sense of excitement to welcome Deacon Lee to our parish and last weekend we were able to do so.
I asked him to take a moment to tell us something about himself and his first impressions of visiting the campus. The following are his remarks.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Words from Deacon Lee:
The first son of Lee and Genevieve Benson, I grew up as the middle child in a family of five. After graduation from Loyola High School in 1970, I went to Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, Ohio. At a fraternity party I met a charming and wonderful woman. Debbie, attending nearby Ursuline College, soon became a close friend. After we both graduated we married and moved to Baltimore. I went to work full time at the family business, L. A. Benson Company. The Lord blessed us with three children, Coleman (1980), Ashley (1981) and Lee IV (1989). With the retirement of my Father from the family business, I became the President and CEO of the company. Our oldest son is married and we are blessed to have three grandsons.
On the retreat just before our Ordination our Retreat Director asked us to read an article on homiletics written by Archbishop Dolan. In the article Archbishop Dolan offers a reflection on the quote from Scripture, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus” (John 12:21). This phrase so caught my attention that I kept coming back to it during my prayer and reflection. If I had to summarize my hopes for ministry at Our Lady of Grace, I think this verse does an adequate job. My hope is that my ministry will help us all to see Jesus a little more clearly. I hope that we will all see Jesus more clearly in the Eucharist, Sacred Scripture and most of all in one another.
I thank Fr. Nick, Elaine Hagner, and Paul Michaud for a very warm welcome. I certainly see why Our Lady of Grace is a “welcoming, worshipping community of faith.” The parish campus, the church and the Education Center are beautiful. I look forward to sharing Sunday worship with the community and getting to know the welcoming people of Our Lady of Grace.
Sincerely,
Deacon Lee Benson
Weekly HOMILY for June 17, 2007: Our Shadows As Revelation
11th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Our Lady of Grace
June 17, 2007
Our Shadows As Revelation
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Our Shadows
This morning, let’s think for a minute about shadows.
For example, if I stand with my back to the sun (point to sun at rear of Worship Space and turn to altar), I am definitely going to see my shadow. My body (gesture) will cast a shadow and I will see it.
But, if I stand facing the sun (turn toward the rear of the Worship Space), my shadow will be behind me. It is still there, but I just don’t see it and am not aware of it.
Our Shadows and God
Now, let’s identify our physical shadow with something in my life – the dark, shadowy side of my life – that I am not proud of. Maybe it is something I have done or a trait that is almost part of my personality and I can’t seem to shake, like impatience, anger, or addiction to some substance.
And, let’s identify the sun before me, as God or Jesus. Let’s see the sun as the light and love and life of God pouring down on me.
Now notice, I only see my shadow when I have my back turned to God (turn toward the altar) – the sun. When I do that, I am focused on my shadow and even pershpas living out of it.
On the other hand, when I am facing God (turn to the rear of the Worship Space) – the sun –, my shadow doesn’t disappear. It is still there, but the important difference is that I am not focused on it or living out of it.
Today’s Scripture
This is a powerful way to understand all three of today’s Scripture readings and especially the Gospel.
The woman in the gospel has come to terms with her shadow and has turned to Jesus. Her shadow remains part of her past and part of her life indeed, but it is in a sense put behind her.
She experiences God’s forgiveness and moves beyond her shadow. If we examine this Gospel, we can see three revelations to us regarding our shadows.
Lesson 1: All Have Shadows
The first revelation is that we all have shadows, yes, even me or maybe especially me!
Jesus tells the story about the creditor and the debtors, and an underlying point is that we all have something that needs forgiveness. It may be little or great, but it is there – our shadow.
This is a core truth of life and of our relationship with God.
Each of us has a shadow and it is important that we are aware of it and admit it. And if you don’t think you have one, then that’s your shadow, namely, you just don’t know yourself well enough!
Lesson 2: Face God/ the Sun
The second revelation is that we all have a need to turn and face God, who is the sun or the light for our lives.
We can do this by a statement of faith, by entrusting ourselves to the power of God. We can do this by prayer, by the Eucharist and by the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
If we are willing to face the sun – s-u-n – or the Son – S-o-n – then God lovingly forgives us of the sin or the trait that makes up the shadow side of us, much as Jesus does with the woman in the Gospel.
Yes it’s true: God draws us into his light, his love, his life and through that drawing and shining down upon us, he empowers us to live in him.
Yes, our shadow is still there, but it is, in a sense, behind us. It no longer has to determine what we do or who we are.
Lesson 3: Don’t Look at Others’ Shadows
And the third revelation is that we need to be careful not to get focused on the shadows of others.
When we are facing God, the Son, we can still see the shadows of others, whether they are facing God or not. But we ought not to get focused on their shadows.
This is what the Pharisee named Simon is doing in today’s Gospel. He thinks he is facing God, but he is really focused on the woman’s shadow and he feeling very self-righteous and condescending.
Amazingly, in focusing on the shadow of the woman, Simon is really living out of his own shadow without even knowing it.
So, a telltale sign of really living in our own shadow, even when we think we are facing God, is when we get focused on the shadows of others.
We as individuals can easily slide into this with one another. And frankly, we as a Church can get into this in the way we talk about or treat others who in our estimation do not seem to be facing God fully, such as politicians.
Far better to make sure we are facing the Lord, the Light! And far better for us to invite others respectfully and positively to face the Lord also!
Conclusion
So, a powerful lesson about our shadows this morning!
Our Lady of Grace
June 17, 2007
Our Shadows As Revelation
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Our Shadows
This morning, let’s think for a minute about shadows.
For example, if I stand with my back to the sun (point to sun at rear of Worship Space and turn to altar), I am definitely going to see my shadow. My body (gesture) will cast a shadow and I will see it.
But, if I stand facing the sun (turn toward the rear of the Worship Space), my shadow will be behind me. It is still there, but I just don’t see it and am not aware of it.
Our Shadows and God
Now, let’s identify our physical shadow with something in my life – the dark, shadowy side of my life – that I am not proud of. Maybe it is something I have done or a trait that is almost part of my personality and I can’t seem to shake, like impatience, anger, or addiction to some substance.
And, let’s identify the sun before me, as God or Jesus. Let’s see the sun as the light and love and life of God pouring down on me.
Now notice, I only see my shadow when I have my back turned to God (turn toward the altar) – the sun. When I do that, I am focused on my shadow and even pershpas living out of it.
On the other hand, when I am facing God (turn to the rear of the Worship Space) – the sun –, my shadow doesn’t disappear. It is still there, but the important difference is that I am not focused on it or living out of it.
Today’s Scripture
This is a powerful way to understand all three of today’s Scripture readings and especially the Gospel.
The woman in the gospel has come to terms with her shadow and has turned to Jesus. Her shadow remains part of her past and part of her life indeed, but it is in a sense put behind her.
She experiences God’s forgiveness and moves beyond her shadow. If we examine this Gospel, we can see three revelations to us regarding our shadows.
Lesson 1: All Have Shadows
The first revelation is that we all have shadows, yes, even me or maybe especially me!
Jesus tells the story about the creditor and the debtors, and an underlying point is that we all have something that needs forgiveness. It may be little or great, but it is there – our shadow.
This is a core truth of life and of our relationship with God.
Each of us has a shadow and it is important that we are aware of it and admit it. And if you don’t think you have one, then that’s your shadow, namely, you just don’t know yourself well enough!
Lesson 2: Face God/ the Sun
The second revelation is that we all have a need to turn and face God, who is the sun or the light for our lives.
We can do this by a statement of faith, by entrusting ourselves to the power of God. We can do this by prayer, by the Eucharist and by the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
If we are willing to face the sun – s-u-n – or the Son – S-o-n – then God lovingly forgives us of the sin or the trait that makes up the shadow side of us, much as Jesus does with the woman in the Gospel.
Yes it’s true: God draws us into his light, his love, his life and through that drawing and shining down upon us, he empowers us to live in him.
Yes, our shadow is still there, but it is, in a sense, behind us. It no longer has to determine what we do or who we are.
Lesson 3: Don’t Look at Others’ Shadows
And the third revelation is that we need to be careful not to get focused on the shadows of others.
When we are facing God, the Son, we can still see the shadows of others, whether they are facing God or not. But we ought not to get focused on their shadows.
This is what the Pharisee named Simon is doing in today’s Gospel. He thinks he is facing God, but he is really focused on the woman’s shadow and he feeling very self-righteous and condescending.
Amazingly, in focusing on the shadow of the woman, Simon is really living out of his own shadow without even knowing it.
So, a telltale sign of really living in our own shadow, even when we think we are facing God, is when we get focused on the shadows of others.
We as individuals can easily slide into this with one another. And frankly, we as a Church can get into this in the way we talk about or treat others who in our estimation do not seem to be facing God fully, such as politicians.
Far better to make sure we are facing the Lord, the Light! And far better for us to invite others respectfully and positively to face the Lord also!
Conclusion
So, a powerful lesson about our shadows this morning!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Weekly MESSAGE for June 10, 2007: A Poem of Life
June 7, 2007
Focus: A Poem of Life
Dear Friend,
A friend sent me the following poem to me this past week and I found revelatory about my own life. It may have the same effect on you.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
The Dash
By Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end
He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years
For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?
Focus: A Poem of Life
Dear Friend,
A friend sent me the following poem to me this past week and I found revelatory about my own life. It may have the same effect on you.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
The Dash
By Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end
He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years
For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?
Weekly THIS AND THAT for June 10, 2007: Scott Novak on "Establishing Peace in My Home, School, and World"
This and That:
Scott Novak on “Establishing Peace in My Home, School and World”
During the month of April the Hereford and Jacksonville Optimist Clubs selected sixteen participants from all sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students to participate in each of their local competitions. As a result of their local competitions, three students from Our Lady of Grace School were chosen. Brittany Martin and Scott Novak were to represent Jacksonville and Gillian Vincent was to represent Hereford at the Cockeysville area competition. Scott is in our seventh grade; Brittany and Gillian are in our eighth grade. This is the third and final essay being published in the weekly bulletin. What a joy it is to share the marvelous skills our boys and girls have developed at Our Lady of Grace School. Congratulations Brittany, Gillian, and Scott, we are very proud of you!
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Everyday brings new challenges. There are many in my life. But my greatest challenge is establishing peace in my home, school, and the world. Conflict has become a normal part of our everyday lives. We are constantly exposed to violence. Murders are on the news everyday. Fights break out among families. Conflict is everywhere.
Sometimes it seems that more conflicts happen in our homes than anywhere else. My brother and I argue all the time. These arguments are usually over small things, like who gets to watch what on television, or which video game we want to play. But sometimes these small things can turn into a huge fight. This is like a snowball rolling down a hill, getting bigger and bigger. Everyone has probably had this experience. We should end the argument in a peaceful way before it turns into something that can ruin the rest of our day. Whenever I have an argument with my parents, the same situation often happens. My parents and I disagree on something. We both want to be right. It is a true challenge to see a problem from someone else’s point of view. Jimi Hendrix said “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” This peace can start in our families.
School is another arena for conflict. In school, there are friends arguing, fights, and bullying. Unfortunately, there is often no one there to stop all of this. These school problems are so sneaky that most teachers don’t even realize that there is a problem. Five million seven hundred thousand teens are estimated to be involved in bullying as either a bully, a target of bullying, or both. I have seen fighting in my own school. Being involved in bullying can affect not only your schoolwork, but create more conflicts at home. Albert Einstein said, “The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” If you see someone being bullied and do nothing, then you are just helping the bully. I hope that if I find myself in this situation that I will have the strength to do something. Arguments among friends are inevitable, but, just like at home, one little problem can turn into something big. Fighting friends spread rumors about one another, so both people can get hurt. One of the Bible’s main focuses is to treat your enemy as you would treat your friend. If everyone made an effort to be on good terms with one another, then there would be no such thing as bullying.
In the world, there are numerous political and religious conflicts. These are much more serious and lethal than the daily family fights. Terrorists are major causes of deadly conflict. The war in Iraq was started because of them. But we must fight for what we believe in. John F. Kennedy said, “It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war.” This is a very unfortunate fact. But our hope in the Iraq war has always been to secure democracy for the people living there. I look forward to the day when Iraq is a truly peaceful place.
But how can we make peace happen? How can we make a difference in the way that someone like Martin Luther King did? Although conflict may never be completely stopped, that should not keep us from trying. I hope to meet this challenge by taking responsibility for my actions, thinking of what choices I have before I act upon them, and trying very hard to consider everyone’s opinion, even when I disagree. Doing these things can be a challenge, but it is a challenge that is worth taking up. I believe that if families and schools establish peace, then that peace will be spread throughout the world. Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Strive to make a difference.
Scott Novak on “Establishing Peace in My Home, School and World”
During the month of April the Hereford and Jacksonville Optimist Clubs selected sixteen participants from all sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students to participate in each of their local competitions. As a result of their local competitions, three students from Our Lady of Grace School were chosen. Brittany Martin and Scott Novak were to represent Jacksonville and Gillian Vincent was to represent Hereford at the Cockeysville area competition. Scott is in our seventh grade; Brittany and Gillian are in our eighth grade. This is the third and final essay being published in the weekly bulletin. What a joy it is to share the marvelous skills our boys and girls have developed at Our Lady of Grace School. Congratulations Brittany, Gillian, and Scott, we are very proud of you!
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Everyday brings new challenges. There are many in my life. But my greatest challenge is establishing peace in my home, school, and the world. Conflict has become a normal part of our everyday lives. We are constantly exposed to violence. Murders are on the news everyday. Fights break out among families. Conflict is everywhere.
Sometimes it seems that more conflicts happen in our homes than anywhere else. My brother and I argue all the time. These arguments are usually over small things, like who gets to watch what on television, or which video game we want to play. But sometimes these small things can turn into a huge fight. This is like a snowball rolling down a hill, getting bigger and bigger. Everyone has probably had this experience. We should end the argument in a peaceful way before it turns into something that can ruin the rest of our day. Whenever I have an argument with my parents, the same situation often happens. My parents and I disagree on something. We both want to be right. It is a true challenge to see a problem from someone else’s point of view. Jimi Hendrix said “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” This peace can start in our families.
School is another arena for conflict. In school, there are friends arguing, fights, and bullying. Unfortunately, there is often no one there to stop all of this. These school problems are so sneaky that most teachers don’t even realize that there is a problem. Five million seven hundred thousand teens are estimated to be involved in bullying as either a bully, a target of bullying, or both. I have seen fighting in my own school. Being involved in bullying can affect not only your schoolwork, but create more conflicts at home. Albert Einstein said, “The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” If you see someone being bullied and do nothing, then you are just helping the bully. I hope that if I find myself in this situation that I will have the strength to do something. Arguments among friends are inevitable, but, just like at home, one little problem can turn into something big. Fighting friends spread rumors about one another, so both people can get hurt. One of the Bible’s main focuses is to treat your enemy as you would treat your friend. If everyone made an effort to be on good terms with one another, then there would be no such thing as bullying.
In the world, there are numerous political and religious conflicts. These are much more serious and lethal than the daily family fights. Terrorists are major causes of deadly conflict. The war in Iraq was started because of them. But we must fight for what we believe in. John F. Kennedy said, “It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war.” This is a very unfortunate fact. But our hope in the Iraq war has always been to secure democracy for the people living there. I look forward to the day when Iraq is a truly peaceful place.
But how can we make peace happen? How can we make a difference in the way that someone like Martin Luther King did? Although conflict may never be completely stopped, that should not keep us from trying. I hope to meet this challenge by taking responsibility for my actions, thinking of what choices I have before I act upon them, and trying very hard to consider everyone’s opinion, even when I disagree. Doing these things can be a challenge, but it is a challenge that is worth taking up. I believe that if families and schools establish peace, then that peace will be spread throughout the world. Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Strive to make a difference.
Weekly HOMILY for June 10, 2006: Transformation from Within or Without?
Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cycle C
Our Lady of Grace
June 10, 2007
Transformation from Within or Without?
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Transforming: Outside In
There is a cute anecdote about a three-old boy named David.
David received a Superman cape for his third birthday. He was just ecstatic.
David quickly tied on the cape and ran as fast as he could around the backyard. But then, a few minutes later, he came back into the house.
David was dragging the cape behind him, with a disgusted look on his face. He blurted out to his mom and dad, “This thing doesn’t work.”
Transforming: Inside Out
David learned an important lesson at a very young age.
He learned that you cannot become a “Superman” or “Superperson” just by putting on a cape. There’s a lot more involved.
And that is exactly the point of today’s celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharist is intended to transform us into God-like persons, but it doesn’t come by wearing a Superman cape.
In other words, this sacrament doesn’t work from outside in, as little David thought about the cape. Instead, it works from inside out.
And besides that, the Eucharist does this “inside →out” transforming very differently from the world of nature around us. Let’s just look at our experience.
Transformation: Nature versus Eucharist
For example, plants and all things that grow from the earth absorb nutrients from the soil and transform them into plant cells. The nutrients from the soil become an integral part of the plant.
Or we human beings eat and digest vegetables and meats and fish and transform all of this into our own body cells. All of this nutrition becomes an integral part of our body.
This is how the world of nature works. I mention this because the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ works very differently.
When we eat this spiritual food, a reverse transformation takes place. Instead of our transforming the Body of Christ into our own body, here this food transforms us into the Body of Christ.
Unlike the Superman cape, the Eucharist changes us from within. And unlike food for our bodies, this spiritual food changes us little by little into Christ-like persons.
Allowing This to Happen
Now that is what the Body and Blood of Christ is intended to do, but we also have to do our part to allow this to happen.
What do we have to do? I recommend two things.
First, when we walk up to receive Communion, instead of looking around or thinking of other things or chewing gum, we need to focus on what or whom we are about to receive. When we say “Amen,” we really need to mean: “Yes, I believe this is the Body and Blood of Christ; I want to receive the Lord.”
And second, instead of seeing the Communion hymn as just keeping us busy while everyone is receiving, we need to see it as a community prayer. Our praying the words in the hymn defines what this Sacrament is to be for us and it also joins us to one another in the way that Jesus wants us to be connected.
Theses two practices – (1) Our awareness and the way we say “Amen,” and (2) Our praying and singing the hymn together – these practices allow the Eucharist to transform us from inside out. They allow this food to make us more like Christ, more like God.
The result will be that this Sacrament will strengthen us for dealing with the challenges and sufferings of our lives. And it will also shape us into a community that cares, much as Jesus does in the feeding of the 5,000 people in today’s Gospel.
Conclusion
So, that’s what Corpus Christi – the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ – that’s what it can do for us.
Instead of our transforming this food into ourselves, this food will transform us from inside out, into itself, into Christ. And of course, we need to do our part to allow this transformation to happen.
Our Lady of Grace
June 10, 2007
Transformation from Within or Without?
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Transforming: Outside In
There is a cute anecdote about a three-old boy named David.
David received a Superman cape for his third birthday. He was just ecstatic.
David quickly tied on the cape and ran as fast as he could around the backyard. But then, a few minutes later, he came back into the house.
David was dragging the cape behind him, with a disgusted look on his face. He blurted out to his mom and dad, “This thing doesn’t work.”
Transforming: Inside Out
David learned an important lesson at a very young age.
He learned that you cannot become a “Superman” or “Superperson” just by putting on a cape. There’s a lot more involved.
And that is exactly the point of today’s celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharist is intended to transform us into God-like persons, but it doesn’t come by wearing a Superman cape.
In other words, this sacrament doesn’t work from outside in, as little David thought about the cape. Instead, it works from inside out.
And besides that, the Eucharist does this “inside →out” transforming very differently from the world of nature around us. Let’s just look at our experience.
Transformation: Nature versus Eucharist
For example, plants and all things that grow from the earth absorb nutrients from the soil and transform them into plant cells. The nutrients from the soil become an integral part of the plant.
Or we human beings eat and digest vegetables and meats and fish and transform all of this into our own body cells. All of this nutrition becomes an integral part of our body.
This is how the world of nature works. I mention this because the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ works very differently.
When we eat this spiritual food, a reverse transformation takes place. Instead of our transforming the Body of Christ into our own body, here this food transforms us into the Body of Christ.
Unlike the Superman cape, the Eucharist changes us from within. And unlike food for our bodies, this spiritual food changes us little by little into Christ-like persons.
Allowing This to Happen
Now that is what the Body and Blood of Christ is intended to do, but we also have to do our part to allow this to happen.
What do we have to do? I recommend two things.
First, when we walk up to receive Communion, instead of looking around or thinking of other things or chewing gum, we need to focus on what or whom we are about to receive. When we say “Amen,” we really need to mean: “Yes, I believe this is the Body and Blood of Christ; I want to receive the Lord.”
And second, instead of seeing the Communion hymn as just keeping us busy while everyone is receiving, we need to see it as a community prayer. Our praying the words in the hymn defines what this Sacrament is to be for us and it also joins us to one another in the way that Jesus wants us to be connected.
Theses two practices – (1) Our awareness and the way we say “Amen,” and (2) Our praying and singing the hymn together – these practices allow the Eucharist to transform us from inside out. They allow this food to make us more like Christ, more like God.
The result will be that this Sacrament will strengthen us for dealing with the challenges and sufferings of our lives. And it will also shape us into a community that cares, much as Jesus does in the feeding of the 5,000 people in today’s Gospel.
Conclusion
So, that’s what Corpus Christi – the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ – that’s what it can do for us.
Instead of our transforming this food into ourselves, this food will transform us from inside out, into itself, into Christ. And of course, we need to do our part to allow this transformation to happen.
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