Introduction
Although the Eucharist is placed in the list of sacraments, as one of the sacraments of initiation, it also includes elements of healing. If we examine the prayers more closely, we can see that some of the prayers lead towards that direction. This blog post will therefore seek to discover what those prayers are in the Eucharistic celebration that can lead to healing of body, mind, heart and soul.
Healing comes from personal prayers within the rubrics of the Mass
For many of us lay faithful, what we know of the prayers in the Eucharist, are the ones that are spoken and prayed audibly as a community and assembly. However, before the congregation are to be given communion, the priest-presider in the Mass prays inaudibly: "Lord, may [these gifts]...bring me healing and strength, now and for ever." As the priest-presider concludes this prayer, and starts to distribute the hosts, we are to respond with: "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed."
The saving word of Jesus
In the Eucharistic celebration, whenever the priest-presider says, "Do this in memory of Me", it also reminds us of the healing actions which Christ performed in His ministry, and not only those actions He shared during the Last Supper. Christ's healing ministry is meant for all people. Everytime we say "Amen", we respond to that call of Jesus to join Him in that ministry, to do as He had done. We too are called to be instruments of healing to members of our family, and to all our brothers and sisters in our parish community.
A sacrament for all
As we see in the prayers mentioned above, Christ bestows His gift of healing to all: to the priest-presider; to all those who have attended the Eucharistic celebration; those who are to receive communion in their homes; and to all decide to be part of the Church - the Body of Christ. The Eucharist is not exclusive. It beckons everyone to be a part of the Body of Christ. That is why the Church's mission is to go out to the whole world and preach the Good News of Christ's salvific acts in the Word and in the Eucharist.
A special mission to the aged, disabled, and sick
This healing power that is bestowed by God through the Sacrament of the Eucharist, is especially meant for the members of the Church who are not able to attend the celebration because of age, disability, or infirmity. Thus, ministers are given the task of bringing the consecrated hosts to their very homes. As the minister prays, "This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to His Supper", the elderly, disabled, and the sick obtain that special grace that leads them to healing of both body and soul.
Summary and conclusion
We sometimes need to remember the power of healing that God bestows through the sacrament of the Eucharist. When we examine and see how this spirit of healing is integrated within the celebration, we see and remember how the Lord during His earthly ministry really went out to those who were in need of healing. And we see that not only is there physical healing gained, but also an increase of faith in Jesus. It can provide that inner healing necessary to bring our life and relationships back to God. This inner healing is not only meant for those who are part of the celebration, but is open to all who wish to become members of the Church and participate in the Eucharist.
Sources of this blog post
- Healing and Revealing, by Bernard Häring
- Healing Through the Sacraments, by Michael Marsch
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