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Tuesday, January 9, 2007

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Hebrews 2:5-12
Psalm 8
Mark 1:21-28

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eucharistic order

"Jesus...was made for a little while lower than the angels." —Hebrews 2:9

In the Eucharist, Jesus has made Himself lower than the angels (Heb 2:9). He has humbled Himself to take on the appearance of bread and wine. He Whom the heavens and earth cannot contain (1 Kgs 8:27) is now contained in a small tabernacle. In the tiny host of the Eucharist, "the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity" of Jesus is contained (Catechism, 1374).

The Church now begins the season of Ordinary Time, a term which means "ordered time." In this ordered season, the Church challenges us to re-order our lifestyles, schedules, and priorities around the Eucharist. Jesus has ordered His "schedule" to be available to us every day in the Blessed Sacrament. How can we make a suitable return to the Lord? (Ps 116:12) We can:

  • order our lives around receiving Holy Communion frequently, daily if possible,
  • re-order our schedules to make regular time to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament,
  • invite others to come to Mass with us, and
  • teach our family members, friends, co-workers, and enemies about the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Since less than half of registered Catholics attend Sunday Mass, apparently many Catholics consider the Holy Eucharist to be ordinary (cf Heb 10:29). "It cannot be like that with you" (Mt 20:26). Change your life and do your part in restoring the Eucharist to its proper order in the Church: "before all else" (Col 1:17).

Prayer:  Jesus, You're trying to feed me a banquet, and I'm looking for fast food. Give me a new hunger for the Bread of Life.

Promise:  "He gives orders to unclean spirits and they obey!" —Mk 1:27

Praise:  Frank plans his work schedule around his attendance of daily Mass.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2006

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