Published in the bulletin of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, TN, on the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
My dear Parishioners,
Peace! The fourth article of the Apostle’s Creed is “Jesus Christ suffered under Pontius Pilate, He was crucified, He died, He was buried” There are ten (10) In Brief passages in the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding this article of the Creed. The following is a reflection on article 621.
No one forced Jesus to die for our salvation (cf. John 10:15-17; 15:13). Jesus has ‘free will’ and used it to the Father’s glory and our salvation (Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42; 23:47; John 13:31-32; 14:13; 17:4). No one forced God to create us or redeem us (cf. Genesis 1:1 Isaiah 45:7, 18; Titus 2:14). Similarly, no one should be forced to embrace the saving faith in Christ Jesus who has died and is risen, although it is strongly recommended and without which we perish (cf. Romans 1:17; 5:1; 14:9; 2 Corinthians 5:15; 1 Thessalonians 4:14). When the collection basket is passed as a free will offering is made no one should be forced to make an offering. We give of ourselves mirroring the generous God in whose image we are made, knowing that God can never be outdone in generosity.
Besides the gifts of being, life, and faith there is also Jesus’ free gift of salvation for which we give thanks. The gift of salvation is free to us because Jesus Christ paid the price, which was His very life on Calvary’s Cross.
During the Last Supper (cf. Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25) Jesus Christ anticipated His saving death when he said: “This is My Body, which will be given up for you” (Luke 22:19). His body had not yet been delivered up on the Cross, yet He gives it to the Apostles gathered with Him in the upper room.
The bread and wine used in the Holy Mass which are prayed over by the Priest become Christ Himself, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, by the power of the Holy Spirit and the words of consecration spoken by the Priest. When Jesus said to the Apostles “Do this in memory of Me” (Like 22:19) He instituted both the Holy Eucharist and Holy Orders. There are entire sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which treat these sacraments.
We attend Holy Mass, even daily, in memory of Him who never forgets us, so much does He love us, freely, unconditionally. Our faithful participation in the Holy Mass is likewise an anticipation of the heavenly banquet which was prefigured by the first Mass which occurred at the ‘Last Supper.’
It is not only the bread and wine which the Lord wants to change in the Holy Mass. Jesus wants to transform us into His faithful, generous, loving people. Strengthened and nourished by the fruit of the Cross which is the one only Sacrifice of Christ made present at each Holy Mass we receive His grace and are so transformed, day by day. Thanks be to God!
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr