“Regulation of the sacred liturgy depends solely on the authority of the Church, that is, on the Apostolic See, and, as laws may determine, on the bishop. Therefore no other person, not even a priest, may add, remove, or change anything in the liturgy on his own authority.”22 My prayer is that the current effort by the Bishop in this diocese to better regulate the liturgy will truly bear fruit.
As Catholics, in order to have a basic understanding of the meaning of the Eucharist, we must see the Eucharist in relation to God, Jesus Christ, the Church, the individual, and the world. First, let us look at the Eucharist in relation to God. The purpose for which the world exists is to give glory to God by manifesting the perfection of God in the created order. The liturgy helps us to fulfill this purpose by uniting us to God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and filling us with divine love and holiness. Impelled by this love we are prompted to draw all creatures to God and make them share more fully in the goodness that God wishes to communicate to them.
As creatures, we are required to offer God adoration, thanksgiving, reparation, and petition. This we do in an eminent way in the liturgy by uniting ourselves to the perfect worship of the Son and by approaching the throne of mercy through Him. God has graciously willed to establish a covenant of friendship between Himself and His people. The liturgy is the means by which we renew this covenant and receive from God the graces to live it faithfully.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
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