I have seen this phrase pop up more and more on my social media outlets and have just realized why. You see, apparently there are Catholic Churches that exist where the tabernacle is NOT placed in the sanctuary of the church. I have never been to a Catholic Church where the tabernacle was not front and center, but I have recently found out that this is a thing. Some churches are putting the tabernacle in a separate room, or even in another structure completely, away from the church. It has begun to spark questions and through my agreed personal reverent belief of the church, has parishioners begging for a reform of sorts. “Long Live Christ the King!” (Viva Cristo Rey!)
I can imagine we (Catholics) have gotten to this point of dishonor and disrespect through the lack of belief. According to Pew Research: “nearly seven-in-ten Catholics (69%) say they personally believe that during Catholic Mass, the bread and wine used in Communion “are symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.” Just one-third of U.S. Catholics (31%) say they believe that “during Catholic Mass, the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Jesus.” Wow. I am sure this is why tabernacles are not thought of with the utmost respect. People don’t believe that Jesus is present in the Eucharist. And that my friends needs to change!
I am passionate about the Eucharist and have found great love from receiving Him as often as I can. As I was reading more about the tabernacle debacle, the requests for showing reverence for Jesus were astonishing. Social media enthusiasts typing away their hopes and prayers for communion rails, the abolishment of Eucharistic Ministers and only receiving Holy Communion on tongue by a priest or deacon. If you know me, then you know that these are my kind of people! But what stopped me in my tracks and took my breath away was the following comment: “Jesus is worth the wait.”
JESUS. IS. WORTH. THE. WAIT. Y’all lightbulb moment! Can you name something more important than Jesus? I can’t. The comment was discussing the fact that if communion takes longer than normal because there are no Eucharistic Ministers, then so be it because Jesus is worth the wait and what is wrong with spending extra time in prayer?
We have become a society that believes in instant gratification. Amazon orders come quickly, fast food drive thrus, coffee mobile ordering and text message instant replies. We know what we want and we want it NOW. How did our time become more valuable now than it did even 5 years ago or 10 years ago? Do you think Jesus had a time limit on his teaching? Do you think he just said “well that’s enough, I know you all have a ball game or birthday party to get to”? No.
We hear in the Gospel of Matthew: “He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.” Matthew 4:23-25
GREAT CROWDS. Jesus taught crowds. Not just one church with a few families attending mass. CROWDS. Do you think the people in the crowds cared how long it took? They were in the presence of Jesus, the son of God. The same presence we see and can receive during Holy Communion.
I encourage you to help make sure the tabernacle in your home parish is where it rightly needs to be. If it is not, write a letter to your priest and to your diocese. Eucharistic Ministers (EM) is always a hot topic. No, I personally do not believe that any Catholic church should allow EM to administer the most precious body of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Only the priest’s hands are consecrated and my hands will never be worthy enough to touch Jesus. I feel like maybe if more people truly believed this, then they wouldn’t even want to become a EM. Now, will I receive communion from a EM? Yes. While not ideal, and definitely not something I enjoy, I’d rather receive Jesus then not receive Him at all. He knows my heart. And on the topic of Communion Rails, I am ALL IN! 100% believe this should be in every Catholic Church. Is there one in my home parish church? Sadly, no. At least not yet. We do have kneelers and I am thankful for that. It doesn’t matter though, families after families will walk up to receive communion and kneel on the floor next to each other at my home parish. The reverence that our priest has brought to our church has been amazing. I do not believe in instant gratification, so through prayer and time, I know our Communion Rail will come in His time. Next time that you look at your watch during Holy Communion, ask yourself, “Is Jesus worth the wait?”
Hugs and Loves,
Ali
“Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!” Psalm 27:14
