There have always been many wonderful ways to understand the Eucharist, in addition to the real presence.
Eucharist
Posted inPodcasts
Birthday parties, hugs, and God’s love: Preaching First Communion to children
In this episode “Preach” host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., talks with Russell Pollitt, S.J. about how this accessible approach helps not only the children but the entire community experience Jesus as a friend.
Posted inShort Take
Why U.S. Catholics kneel during the Eucharist—and the rest of the world stands
While most people see standing as an innovation coming from Vatican II, in fact, kneelers became common in Catholic churches only in the last 200 years.
Posted inFaith and Reason
The Eucharist and controversy: History, theology and why we argue
Latin Mass, Eucharistic Revival, real presence: In every age—including our own—the church has seen a complex Eucharistic landscape.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
On hearing Trump invoke God after bombing Iran on the feast of Corpus Christi
How should American Catholics respond to the U.S. attacks on Iran? Perhaps the Feast of Corpus Christi offers a counterpoint to the god of war, power and vengeance invoked by so many today.
Posted inFaith, Podcasts
The Eucharist is more than ritual. It transforms who we are.
In this homily for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), Year C, the Rev. Hank Hilton draws on ancient philosophy, childhood boat rides on the Jersey Shore and his mother’s steady wisdom to reflect on the transformative power of Christ’s kindness.
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
Making Communion a true meal: bring back wine, sing easy songs and no hosts from the tabernacle
For a true Eucharistic revival in our nation, we need to take seriously the command of Christ and the “General Instruction” of the Roman Missal to increase our efforts to give everyone a complete sign of reception of holy Communion.
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
The move away from the Latin Mass was about more than aesthetics
The Eucharist is not simply a cultural legacy. It is more than a moving performance or a beautiful ritual symbolizing transcendence. And liturgy is more than aesthetics.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Should you stand or kneel to receive communion? Cardinal Cupich stirs debate after weighing in
A recent missive from Cardinal Blase Cupich to parishioners in Chicago provoked an unusually vitriolic response after the cardinal addressed issues regarding proper liturgical practice on Communion lines.
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
A call for Catholics and Protestants to receive Communion—side by side
Why can’t Catholics and Protestants share the experience of partaking in the Eucharist each according to their tradition?