“Not as common bread nor common drink do we receive these; but as we have been taught, the food which has been made into the Eucharist by the Eucharistic prayer set down by Him, and by the change of which our blood and flesh is nourished, is both the Flesh and Blood of that incarnated Jesus.” St. Justin Martyr, “First Apology,” c. 150 A.D.
This Thursday we will return to our practice of weekly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Morning Mass will be offered at 8:30am and then we will place the Consecrated Host on the altar (which is called “Exposition”) until the final prayers (called the “Benediction”) at 8:30pm.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Adoration exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the Savior who sets us free. Adoration is homage of the spirit to the “King of Glory,” respectful silence in the presence of the “ever greater” God. Adoration of the thrice-holy and sovereign ‘God of love’ blends with humility and gives assurance to our supplications.” (CCC 2628)
For more on Adoration: https://youtu.be/5Fy7nrWGy8w
“The bread and the wine of the Eucharist before the holy invocation of the adorable Trinity were simple bread and wine, but the invocation having been made, the bread becomes the Body of Christ and the wine the Blood of Christ.” St. Cyril of Jerusalem, “Catechetical Lectures,” 350 A.D.
