The Gospel for 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time offers us another meaningful parable to describe the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom ofGod is like a wonderful feast banquet prepared by God. As children of God, we are invited to that banquet.
The concept of a feast banquet as an image of eternal life and God’s Kingdom is not new in the Bible. The prophet Isiah (first reading)describes a plentiful feast prepared on the mountain of God as a reward for a good life. It is a “feast of rich food for all peoples, a
banquet of aged wine — the best of meats and the finest of wines.” Additionally, according to Isiah, “God will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples on that holy mountain” (Isiah 25:6). The shroud is usually used to cover dead people. God does not want to feast with the dead but with those who chose life. The invitation to join the banquet is an invitation to remove the shroud that makes us slaves of sin and death. It is an invitation to live life to the fulness instead of choosing death.
For us Catholics the Eucharist instituted by Jesus Christ for us on earth is the foretaste of the banquet in heaven. The first Christians believed the Eucharist was the gate to enter the agape feast or heavenly banquet promised by God and described by prophet Isiah.
There are many artful depictions, which illustrate the banquet feast and painted in the catacombs in Rome where the first Christians celebrated Eucharist. According to that art, Jesus Christ with the Father and Holy Spirit, together with all the Saints of Heaven, are
present when the Eucharist is celebrated. It is a wonderful witness and encouragement for us today who are struggling to believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
The Sacramental Blood of Christ Returns at Mass
It is providential this weekend we are bringing back the administration of the Blood of Christ (cup) during Holy Communion.
Archbishop Listecki has encouraged the clergy to restore the cup a few months ago. There are many parishes of the Archdiocese that
brought it back. Listening to you dear parishioners, I believe it is time for St. Martin of Tours to do the same. We do it with watchful care and respect for those who cannot receive the Blood of Christ or afraid to do so.
The tradition encourages us to receive Jesus, with his Body and Blood during Holy Communion. The moment of consecration during every Mass, which recalls and celebrates the Last Supper, has been always celebrated with both, bread and wine. This is how Jesus, his disciples, and then, the first Christians celebrated Eucharist. However, this tradition has often been simplified and adjusted to the needs and circumstances throughout the world.
Now, it depends on every diocese how the Holy Communion is encouraged and given to the faithful. Thus, it is perfectly correct to receive Holy Communion in just one form as bread (blessed host) which is the Body of Christ.
At the same time, there are many people in our parish who requested the Blood of Christ (cup) during Holy Communion. Thus, we decided to return and we will offer the cup for those who wish to receive it during weekday Masses. It is also a good opportunity to say thank you to the Eucharistic ministers at St. Martin of Tours. We are blessed to have many Eucharistic Ministers but we will need even more now. If you wish to serve as a Eucharistic minister or you used to serve let us know.
The official installation of our Eucharist Ministers will take place during every Mass this weekend. I would like that every Eucharistic Minister serving at St. Martin of Tours will be trained and officially installed.