Tuesday, June 9, 2020 –
Today we are going to focus on just the Communion part of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It is fairly similar to the Communion part of the Mass of the Faithful. Unfortunately, this is where we see a lot of the prayers from the Traditional Latin Mass left out. Anyhow, pressing onward!
The Liturgy of the Eucharist: The Communion
“Since the celebration of the Eucharist is the Paschal Banquet, it is desirable that in accordance with the Lord’s command his Body and Blood should be received as spiritual food by those of the faithful who are properly disposed. This is the sense of the fraction and the other preparatory rites by which the faithful are led more immediately to Communion.” (GIRM, 80)
The Lord’s Prayer – also known as the Pater Noster. It is right and fitting that we should begin Communion with the prayer Jesus Christ taught us. In fact, Christ commanded His disciples to pray this prayer (Luke 11:1-4).
Sign of Peace – after the Lord’s Prayer, the Priest says “Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles, peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. Who live and reign for ever and ever.” Sometimes we greet each other with the sign of peace. However, this is an optional rite. We are not obligated (meaning we do not have) to shake each other’s hands with the sign of peace.
Lamb of God – also known as the Agnus Dei. This thrice (3 times) said prayer repeats the words of John the Baptist, “John [the Baptist] saw Jesus coming to him, and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29). We recall the Old Law (Jewish Law) where an unblemished lamb was slain in atonement for sin. The New Law (Christ’s Law), it is Christ who is the heavenly Lamb slain for our sins.
- The Fraction – here is where the Priest breaks the Host. “The gesture of breaking bread done by Christ at the Last Supper, which in apostolic times gave the entire Eucharistic Action its name, signifies that the many faithful are made one body (1 Cor 10:17) by receiving Communion from the one Bread of Life, which is Christ, who for the salvation of the world died and rose again. The fraction or breaking of bread is begun after the sign of peace and is carried out with proper reverence, and should not be unnecessarily prolonged or accorded exaggerated importance. This rite is reserved to the Priest and the Deacon.” (GIRM, 83)
- The Mixture of the Body and Blood – BUT…then the Priest puts a small amount of the Host into the Chalice with the Precious Blood. This is because Christ’s Body is never without His Blood, or His Blood without His Body! Remember: any particle of the Host or any drop of the Chalice, no matter how small, is wholly and completely Christ. You do NOT receive “more Jesus” by partaking of both species. In either and in both you completely receive Christ’s Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity! This mixture also calls to mind Christ’s union of humanity and divinity in the Incarnation. “The Priest breaks the Bread and puts a piece of the host into the chalice to signify the unity of the Body and Blood of the Lord in the work of salvation, namely, of the Body of Jesus Christ, living and glorious.” (GIRM, 83)
Communion – “The Priest prepares himself by a prayer, said quietly, so that he may fruitfully receive the Body and Blood of Christ. The faithful do the same, praying silently.” (GIRM, 84) The Priest will hold up the Holy Sacrifice (the Host and Chalice) for us to adore while he says the words of the Centurion, “Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof: but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.” (Matthew 8:8). Unlike the TLM, this line is only said once. The Priest will consume the Eucharist, then he will proceed to distribute the Eucharist to the faithful.
- Side Note: the Priest saying Mass receives under both species (Host and Chalice) because he must consume the Sacrifice. Because the Sacrifice was offered under two species, he must consume both species.
- Second Side Note: only Baptized Catholics in a state of grace are invited to receive Holy Communion. You will need to say “Amen” after the Priest says “Body of Christ.” Likewise, if you receive the Precious Blood, you will also say “Amen” after the Priest says “Blood of Christ.” Remember: you do NOT receive more of Christ when you receive under both species.
Prayer after Communion – this is a short prayer said after everyone receives Communion. “To bring to completion the prayer of the People of God, and also to conclude the whole Communion Rite, the Priest pronounces the Prayer after Communion, in which he prays for the fruits of the mystery just celebrated.” (GIRM, 89)
- The Ablutions – here too the Priest does the ablutions, but they are much shorter than those from the TLM.
And that is it for today. Short and to the point, and somewhat recognizable in comparison to the TLM…sort of.
Saint Stephen, pray for us!
