Pandemic-related social distancing restrictions at places of worship ended May 28, 2021. Read more in The Catholic Spirit.
As Catholics, while each of our circumstances has been unique, in some capacity and for some period of time, we’ve each had to go without fellowship and without the Holy Eucharist. Perhaps these absences have blessed us all with the time to reflect upon the joy that comes from fellowship, and the life that comes from the Eucharist. A joy to which we are all invited to return, as the pandemic subsides and – per Gov. Walz’s Executive Order 21.21 – parishes are able to open at full capacity to welcome everyone home.
For we are Created for Communion. That is, we are created for communion with each other, and we are created for Holy Communion, “the source and summit of the Christian Life.” (CCC 1324)
We are created for fellowship. Just as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have a living union, so are we created to reflect their union in our relationships with others. It is through our relational nature that we recognize our vocations and grow in love and holiness.
We are created for the Eucharist. While livestreaming, watching Mass on TV, and listening to it on the radio have been suitable ways to celebrate the Lord’s Day when we could not come together in person and will continue to have their place, they lack one key piece: Jesus Himself. During the holy sacrifice of the Mass, Jesus Christ becomes truly present in the Eucharist. The bread and wine are not simply signs that lead us to Christ, but completely transform into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
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