Participation in the Eucharist as a Special Challenge During the Pandemic

Abstract

Christian worship is worship modelled on that of Jesus Christ, and in union with Him (cf. Rm. 12:1). Therefore the fullest expression of the worship of the Church is the Eucharist. In it is made sacramentally present the consummate, once-for-all, unique offering of Christ, that is to say, His life of obedience and devotion to the Father, which has its fulfillment in death upon the cross. The participation of the faithful in the Eucharist consists in the following of Jesus in obedience to the Father, that is, in rendering a spiritual offering which Jesus joins to His one offering. Participation in the Eucharist is a special challenge during the pandemic not only due to physical difficulties in participating, but also as regards fullest possible extra-sacramental participation, i.e., long-distance participation. The most important condition is the desire for sacramental participation and union with Christ, that is, spiritual communion. Mass-media transmissions of the Mass are helpful in this. Other essential conditions for such participation are an accompanying desire for ongoing conversion (directing of one’s life towards God) and involvement in the life of the Church on various levels. Meditation on the Word of God in the form of lectio divina is to be considered as an especial pillar of this extra-sacramental participation. The faithful have the right to read the books of Sacred Scripture in any order. The most ecclesial reading of the Bible, however, is that which is geared toward the daily Eucharist. The individual believer is nourished by this word which is addressed to the entire church on a given day.