Parish Bulletin for February 5, 2012

Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb

The words of the priest before Holy Communion are being changed from Happy are those called to his Supper to Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

On the one hand, it is simply a more accurate translation, but it also draws out something that can easily be missed. The priest is speaking of those who are blessed because they are invited to the Supper of the Lamb. We know the Lamb is Jesus and so we can see this line to be saying something about the wonder of being invited to Jesus' Supper.

But it is important to stop and think about this supper. There are several interconnected ideas. There is: The Last Supper, the Lord's Supper and the Lamb's Supper.

The Last Supper is that meal that Jesus shared with his disciples the night before he died. During this meal, Jesus gave us the Mass and Holy Communion, commanding us to celebrate it in his memory.

The Lord's Supper is another name that can be used for The Last Supper. It can also be used as a title for the Mass itself. As we fulfill his command, we are made present to his saving work.

In recalling the words Jesus said at that Supper, we understand that we share in the offering of Jesus' life on the Cross, his sacrifice, and we are joined to his resurrection and glorious ascension.

The Lamb's Supper is connected to The Lord's Supper because our sharing in Mass makes us ready for heaven. The Book of Revelation describes The Lamb's Supper as a marriage in which we, the Church, will be the mystical bride of Christ.

The new translation highlights that the invitation said by the priest is not limited to a particular Communion given to us at a particular Mass. Communion is the foretaste and we are being invited to the banquet of heaven.

Coffee Morning

Coffee is served each Wednesday morning after the 8:30 a.m. mass.

Come and join your fellow parishioners in the parish hall for a cup of coffee.

Bulletin Notices: Written notices should be e-mailed, faxed or brought to the parish office by noon on Tuesdays.

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