|
||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
I can't help but look. There's a point in the Eucharistic Prayer when the words inevitably cause me to openly stare at my neighbors. Folks who just a short time ago were simply nodding acquaintances from the occasional parish event or perhaps a fellow parent from a school function - all of a sudden become much more. Transfixed, I see these people with new eyes.  "May all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ be brought together in unity by the Holy Spirit." These words signal that Mass attendees aren't just individuals gathered for an event. We ourselves have collectively become transformed. We are joined by more than a zip code or even a common sports team. Now we are connected by blood. Many parishes struggle with the challenge of lay participation. There are the dedicated "few in the pew" - you know the parishioners who show up or even lead the majority of the parish activities. Ironically, this phenomenon seems to occur regardless of parish size: whether the community is several thousand or just a few hundred, there tends to be the same few parishioners fueling the lay ministries. So, at Sunday Mass we may see a few faces that we recognize time and time again, but we'll also note quite a few that are friendly strangers. What strikes me as very powerful is that during the Eucharistic liturgy we are connected in a way that is greater than whether or not I met you before. We are drawn together now into a communion that trumps age, race, profession or any other descriptor. I am your brother because He is our father. I may not seem to have much in common with the elderly man who seems determined to make it into the first pew every Sunday despite the clear physical hardship of each push to the walker. How about the teen who seems to ooze reluctance as she sidles into the pew behind her exhausted-looking Mom? You don't know my name but we're related. I may have entered this building as an individual but now I am not standing alone. I am with you, united by the greatest love the world has every known. Even more awesome is the fact that each of us has the privilege of this new family and each of us is needed. Whatever gifts or skills or experiences you bring are needed. If I am not present I am missed. When life feels too busy or the stress is overwhelming that is the time that our presence is especially important. Lord, remember your Church throughout the world; make us grow in love, together… Paula Manchester is a recent graduate from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary's Ministry to African American Catholics certificate program. She is a member of Corpus Christi parish in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She can be reached at paula_manchester@merck.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
 |
||
|
