We have three final points to share as we conclude our 6 part series on the Mass:

 1) Our fullest participation in the Mass requires an understanding of both the Sacramental body of Christ, the encounter with Christ that occurs in the proclamation of sacred Scriptures and the reception of Communion, and the Mystical body of Christ, that we are Christ’s living body that remains in the world since his ascension into heaven. The sacramental body sustains the mystical body. As the oft-quoted saying goes, “you are what you eat.” We who receive the body of Christ are the body of Christ.   

 2) In order to be in communion with Jesus we must also be in communion with one another.  We are brothers and sisters of Christ, one unified community, exemplified in the Sign of Peace. Even our singing together unites us into one voice. We stand in solidarity while each member receives Christ’s body and blood. Acting as one we sit in the silence of the assembly and commune with the Lord.

 3) The liturgy shapes us and gives us the strength to go forth and live as the body of Christ all week.  We return again and again to the source of our sustenance and to one another in prayer, support and love.  All that we do as the community of Holy Trinity stems from the liturgy and flows toward it week after week, day after day.  (February 15,2003)