Lent and Easter with the Church Fathers by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

Author:United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) [Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
Published: 2012-04-10T16:00:00+00:00

SATURDAY

John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, 50, 2ff.

At the school run by his pastor—St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars—a humble peasant from Ars had learned to stop in the church before beginning his work and after he completed it. One day, when his fellow laborer did not see him arrive, he knew where to find him. He entered the church and found him absorbed in prayer. He asked him why he was late, and the peasant simply responded, “I am looking at him, and he is looking at me,” as if to say, “I am looking at him, Christ the Eucharist, and trying to understand myself in the light of his gaze.”

And so we too touch the hem of his garment; indeed, if we wish, we can have all of Christ complete. His body is in fact before us now: not simply his garment, but his very body; and not just to touch it, but to eat of it and be filled by it. Let us therefore approach him with faith, each of us bringing his own weaknesses. If those who touched the hem of his garment drew such healing virtue from it, then those who receive Jesus Christ whole and complete can expect to draw even more. Nevertheless, approaching Christ with faith does not mean simply taking what he offers, but means touching him with a pure heart and a fervent disposition, knowing that we are drawing closer to Christ in person. What does it matter if you do not hear his voice? You contemplate him on the altar; or better yet, you also hear his voice, for he speaks to you through the Evangelists.

Believe with living faith that this is even now the same supper in which Christ took part with the Apostles. Indeed there is no difference between the Last Supper and the supper of the altar. Nor can it be said that this supper is celebrated by a man and the other by Christ, because Jesus himself performs them both. Well then, when you see the priest present this sacred food to you, do not think that it is the priest who gives it to you, but know that it is the hand of Christ outstretched toward you.

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