Yes, let us venerate profoundly such a Sacrament!
Sacrament means "secret," something hidden, mysterious, and the Eucharist bears out this root meaning of the word. It seems such a great secret, that many when suddenly confronted with an explanation of it, fail to comprehend its significance. I have only to recall the well-known Gospel scene in which Our Lord announced for the first time that He would give His flesh as food and His blood as drink. At least half of those who heard Him went away unable to believe it, unable to penetrate the secret.
I know. I believe. The secret, however, still remains, and at the climax of the Mass the Church does not fail to recall it. Bending low for the words of consecration, the priest uses the words Mysterium fidei, Mystery of Faith. Truly, there is nothing to appeal to the senses. The will alone clings, enlightened by the Gospel and the testimony of the Church. Prostrate, I adore You, my Lord in Your great Sacrament.
Sacrament also means a sensible sign of grace. The species reveal a little bread, but it is merely the screen for something else. The bread is no longer bread, it is Christ, Christ, come to give me invisible strength.
"Oh, let me receive You, Lord Jesus with an ever increasing faith. Let me contemplate You in the monstrance with a love that grows ever more ardent and more radiant."_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
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