THE MYSTERY OF THE EUCHARIST IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH (Part-3)
We need to Meet: We all missed out on so many gatherings during the worst days of the pandemic: weddings and funerals; anniversary, birthday, graduation and retirement parties; simple BBQs, and Sunday afternoon dinners, which I hope still exist! Other communal events, like the theater and sports, also fell by the wayside. All this exacted a heavy toll on us, for by nature and divine intention, God made us SOCIAL creatures who need to be with, support, and celebrate with each other. Furthermore, science shows that, babies born of drug addicted mothers do not cry when they are hungry; their natural, innate systems are so damaged while in their mother’s tainted wombs, they fade into themselves and often die. And as statistics now show, many Catholics’ supernatural, divinely inspired ‘spiritual senses’ were dulled or even destroyed by the pandemic, scandals and worldly distractions. Easily tuning into ‘virtual’ rites and the temporary dispensation from the obligation to participate in holy Mass became bad habits some have yet to break. I hope that, with our Bishops’ suggestions and guidance, reflections and encouragement, we will all better appreciate – and take a more active part in – our weekly Eucharistic worship. (To be continued…)