“He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:15-16).

Our Gospel includes these words, a conversation between Peter and Jesus. In reality, this conversation and public confession by Peter has everything to do with our understanding of the Real Presence of Jesus. Jesus as the “… Son of the living God…” carries a weight and an authority that defines our relationship with Jesus, and through Him, with the Father and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity is Real!

I want to speak with you this weekend about our personal reverence for the Real Presence of Jesus, Whom we encounter in the Blessed Sacrament. We have spoken previously about the Real Presence, and how it actually defines some of the critical differences between Roman Catholics and Christians of other faith perspectives.  Some acknowledge the Real Presence within their liturgies, such as held by the Episcopal and Lutheran Churches, while many accept the bread and wine only as symbolic.

For us, it is far more than a symbol: it is Jesus Christ, Son of the living God.”

Our actions in caring for and showing reverence to the Eucharis reflect this, as examples can show. Did you know that it is prohibited by Church teaching for Catholics to keep the Eucharist within your homes, in “personal tabernacles?” Tabernacles are only permitted in sacred places where Mass is offered on a regular basis.

Did you ever watch the liturgical ritual surrounding the breaking of the bread, and the purification of the sacred vessels used at Mass? As the Offertory begins, the priest or deacon spread the corporal, a square linen cloth on the center of the altar, and all actions with the bread take place over that corporal. Why? The unique folds of that altar linen, in a 3-by-3 square, ensure that it serves as an envelope to capture any crumbs when the consecrated Host is fractured.

Did you observe the priests or deacons cleansing the sacred vessels? At the altar, miniscule crumbs – dust really – are brushed from the paten or ciboria into the chalice, and consumed. Then, these same vessels are once again cleansed with water, which is also consumed. All of these actions reflect our awe, our reverence for the Real Presence of Jesus. Now: how do you ensure that you are ready to receive Him in your hands? Hopefully with hands that are clean, but most importantly, with hearts that are humble and pure, awaiting Jesus to conform us to Himself!