Our reflections on the Eucharistic Prayer left off before we looked at the Institution Narrative and the Offertory.  Prior to the Institution Narrative, we have an “epiclesis,” a Greek word, where we call on God’s Spirit to transform our gifts into the body and blood of Christ. (This is when the priest extends his hands over the gifts on the altar.) Recall that during the Preparation of the Altar and Gifts, we offered gifts that were symbolic of ourselves.  So, we are asking God’s Spirit to not only transform the bread and wine, but also ourselves into the body and blood of Christ!  Recall Annie Dillard’s word, “God may draw us out to where we can never return.”

    We are all familiar with the Institution Narrative or as we have called it “the Consecration.” The narrative reflects Paul’s and the Synoptic Gospels’ account of the last supper. In our remembering Christ’s sacrifice of his body and blood is made present. We then, profess our belief in his death, resurrection and return in glory (the Paschal Mystery) in the Memorial Acclamation. We then offer this perfect sacrifice to the Father. Prayers for our unity are followed by prayers for the whole church, living and deceased. We do have a world view!

    We know from experience that God’s attentiveness and generosity far exceeds anything that we can muster or imagine! Thus, our Eucharistic Prayer is followed by the Communion Rite where God has prepared a banquet for us, the body and blood of Christ, our communion with Christ’s body. What an incredible gift---communion with the Son of God.

    In our preparation for our First Communion, we were taught this and instructed in ways to give thanks for this gifting; and well we should. But, perhaps, because of our young age and our inability to think in a both/and way, the focus was only on our communion with Jesus. Now that we are older and have the capacity and the imagination to think both/and, in addition to either/or, we can appreciate with St. Augustine that our communion is with the body of Christ's head and members. What might I do to expand my understanding of communion and become more thankful for the gift of other members of Christ’s body?

• The Hand of God Feeds Us
• We Are the Body of Christ
• O Bread of Life
• Servant Song