We are a forgetful people, and so we need reminders.
Why is it so important that we remain quiet when we enter a church? Why is so much importance attached to the cupboard that holds the Eucharistic host between masses? Why do we kneel whenever we cross in front of it? And why do we take so much care in the decoration and arrangement of our churches?
The answer to all of these questions is the same, God. A miracle takes place at every Catholic mass and Orthodox liturgy. Common bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of God. They still appear to be bread and wine but their substance is changed. This is what theologians call transubstantiation. God is physically present in every Catholic and Orthodox Church.
We believe this because Our Lord Himself revealed this to us. Six times in today’s reading He tells us that His body is true food and His blood is true drink.
And so we remain quiet when we enter the sanctuary because we enter the presence of God. What can mere words convey in the presence of the Lord of All Creation? The “cupboard” is the tabernacle where God is enthroned 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We kneel before it and surround it with as much beauty as we are capable of, as befitting the source and summit of our faith.
We are a forgetful people. Today, let us be reminded of what we truly believe.
Pax Vobiscum
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi