The Eucharistic Congress was held in Indianapolis from July 17-21. The last time a Eucharistic Congress took place in the United States was 81 years ago. And it took place in Saint Paul.
A Eucharistic Congress is meant to proclaim to all that the mystery of salvation finds its truest expression in the celebration of the Eucharist.
In the beginning of the first document promulgated by the Second Vatican Council on December 4, 1963, The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, we read:
“For the liturgy, ‘through which the work of our redemption is accomplished,’ (1) most of all in the sacrifice of the Eucharist, is the outstanding means whereby the faithful may express in their lives, and manifest to others, the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church.”
At the end of the last document promulgated by the Council on December 7, 1965, The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, we read:
“Christians cannot yearn for anything more ardently than to serve the men and women of the modern world with mounting generosity and success. Therefore, by holding faithfully to the Gospel and benefiting from its resources, by joining with everyone who loves and practices justice, Christians have shouldered a gigantic task for fulfillment in this world, a task concerning which they must give a reckoning to Him who will judge everyone on the last of days.”
The Council seems to suggest that we take seriously the scripture passages:
So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister* has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister,* and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)
Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. (John 4:21)
Let me have no more of your strumming on harps. But let justice flow like water, and integrity like an unfailing stream. (Amos 5:23-24)
The Liturgy is important. However, the action and work of the liturgy takes place when we leave the church and re-enter our daily lives; the meaning of the liturgy is ultimately found in the practical ways we love God and neighbor.
I am saddened to know that this fundamental sense of the Eucharist was not addressed at the Eucharistic Congress.
Father Steve Adrian
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