The Eucharist: Why It “Has-To-Be” True!

15 Compelling Reasons, PLUS…

A Case for Family Reunions

By Robert P. Gunning

2
A Lay Catholic Contemplation

To my Dad

Copyright 2017, Quaker Lane Crossing, All Rights Reserved. (1.4)

3
“Everything turns on the flesh.” A great mystery!
--Tertullian (From the early church)

“Stop and think for a second about the best moments of your life. Consider those
moments that you hoped would never end. That somehow, if you could, you would find
a way to stop the clock and dwell there. Think again of those cherished people in your
life. Those past, those present, and those yet to be born, such as a grandchild you might
be expecting. We are at that one altar where Christ presides. Whether it is 1846 or
1982, whether it’s 50 AD or 2010, we are joined together as God’s family, free of any
constraints of time or space. Say hello again to a loved one you once said a tearful
goodbye to. I think heaven will be a lot like those Christmas and Easter gatherings we
most like to remember, where all are present.”

Another great mystery: “Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one
body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” (1 Corinthians 10:17)

4
A LASTING LOVE

Jesus said: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will
raise him up on the last day.”(John 6:54)…“There is no surer pledge or clearer sign
of this great hope in the new heavens and the new earth ‘in which righteousness
dwells’ than the Eucharist.” (Catechism, 1405)...“May all of us who share in the
body and blood of Christ be brought together in unity by the Holy Spirit.”
(Eucharistic Prayer II)
The Eucharist is our sacrament of unity. Through Holy Communion I live with the
rich and certain hope that I will be with my father again. (R.G.)

5
TO BE TOGETHER WITH OUR LORD AND OUR LOVED ONES

The inquiry of many does not progress beyond mere speculation or Scripture. They
overlook the most important, most wonderful "Gift" we have for really and truly
finding out about heaven, and with this, the reuniting with those we love. What
would that "gift" be? The Giver himself! The Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar!
Here are some reasons why the Eucharist “has to be” true, and why it is critical
in any discussion of heaven. But be advised, we must receive this Gift worthily.

1. Jesus said, "This is My Body" (Matt 26:26) He did "NOT" say this "symbolizes" My
Body. He also did not say, "This is My Body AND it's also bread." He commanded:
"Take, Eat"!
2. Jesus is a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek (Ps. 110:4; Heb. 6:20).
Melchizedek was a priest of God Most High, bringing bread, wine to Abram (Gen
14:18). If Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek, but since Jesus priesthood is
obviously greater than that of Melchizedek, then mustn't his offering be greater? If Jesus
was offering only that of bread and wine (not "transubstantiation") how would his
priesthood be greater?
3. We celebrate the Passover. "Christ our Paschal Lamb, has been sacrificed there
therefore let us KEEP the feast." (1 Cor 5:7a). Not exactly over and done! There's much
more! And we don't celebrate half a Passover, but a whole Passover, a mystical
Passover. Recall, you had to eat the Lamb. Remember it all? The blood on the doorpost?
First born? In Biblical typology would this be the one instance we'd revert to a pre-type?
No! Moreover: The ultimate goal of sacrifice is "the restoration of communion." (1 Cor.
10:17) "Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake
of the one loaf." This "common union", this Holy Communion, commenced at the Last
Supper to this very day. Whether it's 107 AD or 1986 we all surround that one altar. We
are the Body of Christ, not the symbolism, metaphor or spirit of Christ. Note the
physicality! Did you know that just as we are all "body" (physical) and spirit all the
sacraments engage the physical -- and in a transformative way -- water, bread,
oil/Chrism?
4. Christ did not do away with the Passover. In Luke 22:19 Jesus said to the Apostles:
"Do this!" Do what? Offer the Sacrifice! 'Make present' the Sacrifice. St. Hippolytus
writes: "...a day of long, eternal light is ushered in for us who believe in him, a day which
is never blotted out; the mystical Passover." (Catechism, 1165). In the words of Fulton
Sheen you are not punished for the "accident of time" you find yourself. You have

6
proximity, physical access.
5. We believe the Eucharist not only speaks to a physical birth, an incarnation. It also
speaks to a physical resurrection. (Catechism, 1405) So much for mere spiritism or
gnostic eloquence. "By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit which confesses that
Jesus Christ has come in the 'flesh' is of God.(1 John 4:2). Tertullian (an early figure in
church history) once awesomely stated "EVERYTHING turns on the flesh."
6. There is an ancient Jewish teaching that says that when the Messiah comes He will not
leave. Thus, we Catholics have no qualms here with this. As Eucharist-believing
Catholics we believe that He really, truly, and substantially remains with us in the Blessed
Sacrament. Recall, Matthew 1:23: "Emmanuel God with us." Not God WAS with us!! He
remains with us in a substantial way. See Matthew 28:20; Mark 16:20.
7. "For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body (physical) of the Lord
eats and drinks judgement on himself. That is why many among you are sick and others
have fallen asleep (died)." (1 Cor 11:29-30). It's hard to imagine a "metaphor" causing
sickness. Taken together with these and many more citations this is another case for the
Real Presence.
8. "When Christ gave the bread he did not say, 'This is the symbol of my body' but 'This
is My Body..." Theodore of Mopsuestia. Circa 400 A.D.
9. Check out how Jesus feeds the five thousand in Mark 6. Next there was the storm at
sea (same chapter). Notice how the apostles were terrified when they saw him walking
toward them on the water. "They thought he was a ghost" (vs. 6:49). But how does it
relate to the "multiplication" in the previous story? (The Body, The Physical, The
Identity). Vs 51-52 reads "He climbed into the boat with them, the wind died down.
They were completely amazed, for they HAD NOT UNDERSTOOD ABOUT THE
LOAVES; their hearts were hardened." His physical Identity is only "ghost like" without
the recognition of the loaves. His full physical identity is understood in fullness through
the loaves. Odd to see a mention of the multiplication of the loaves at all in this story of
the storm at sea. But like everything in Sacred Scripture it's not there by accident.
10. In the wonderful Gospel story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-
35) we see the template of the Mass. First, we have the disciples discussing the Old
Testament and the Prophets. The readings. Still unrevealed to them Jesus explains these
passages. The homily/homilist. Then they arrive in Emmaus. Jesus “takes the bread and
blessed and broke it and gave it to them.” In this liturgical context, in the breaking of the
Bread, "their eyes were opened and they recognized him."
11. FOLLOWING JESUS TEACHING ON 'THE BREAD OF LIFE: "From this time
many of his disciples no longer followed him." (John 6:66). A large number of disciples
abandoned him. "Even so Jesus still makes no effort to soften his words or clear up any
misinterpretations about his Eucharistic teaching." (Ignatius Catholic Study Bible). Would

7
they desert him over symbolism?
12. BECAUSE THE MESSIANIC ERA has actually arrived through His resurrection,
and in it the promised blessings are obtained...The words and actions which formally
could only 'symbolize' future blessings can now bring about 'present blessings' as well.
The Eucharistic body and blood are not, then, only the symbolic memorial of a
'completed' event. They are the whole reality of an eschatological world in which Christ
lives. The Eucharist procures for the believer, still immersed in (mortal time) 'physical'
contact in ALL THE REALITY of His new Risen Being." Xavier Leon-Dufour, French
School of Theology
13. Some claim that transubstantiation didn't exist until the 12th or 13th century. Not so
fast! No the "word" may not have existed, but TRANSUBSTANTIATION took place at
the Last Supper. St Frances De Sales writes: "Do they wish to take away these words
from St Luke (cf. 22:20) 'which shall be SHED for you' because the Greek text clearly
shows that what was in the chalice was not wine, but the true blood of our Lord?" After
all, no one SHEDS grapes.
14. In his book "In Those Who Are Initiated Into The Mysteries" St Ambrose (St
Augustine's teacher), among the early Church fathers, says that "the true body of Christ
is received in this Sacrament (Holy Eucharist), just as the true body of Christ was
derived from the Virgin, and that this truth is to be believed with the firm certainty of
faith." Roman Catechism, excerpted
15. The TREE OF LIFE (Gen. 2:9): According to Gal. 3:13 and I Peter 2:24 the cross is
referred to in the New Testament as 'the tree'. And whereas the tree in the Garden of
Eden can be seen as the tree of our disobedience the NT tree is the Cross of Jesus, the
tree of our redemption. Rev. 22:2 refers to a 'fruit' of 'this tree'. The Eucharist ("Take
Eat") can be seen quite remarkably as 'the fruit that comes from the Cross,' according to
author Stephen B. Clarke, Catholics and The Eucharist (Charis, 2000)

8
AN INCOMPARABLE UNITY:
Both “In Time” and in “All Time”

Just to the right of where I'm sitting, light is pouring in through a majestically-colored
manger scene wedded to a stained glass window. This beautiful Christmas scene,
adorned in rich and vivid winter colors, is so vibrant it would suggest the birth had
just occurred. I'm easily distracted now by all the windows in this stunning little
church. They seem to bring to life in cinematic splendor nearly all of salvation
history. There is the protoevangelium. Jesus as a young boy. The passion. The
apostles with Mary in the upper room. I can't believe I have this place all to myself!
Towards the front, it's impossible not to notice hundreds of white candles all freshly
lit, with ample wax and wick to sustain them. Each flame is dancing about, as if to
say an answer to prayer is now being processed. To the left and the right of the two
candle stands, there is a beautifully-adorned tabernacle, a red lampstand, and a big,
solid white marble altar.
Whether it's the times of just simply sitting here like this afternoon, basking in this
quiet presence, or participating at Daily Mass, I feel I have on rare and wonderful
occasions been able to see and contemplate heaven from this very altar.
According to the book, "The Mass of the Early Christians", for both St. Irenaeus
and Tertullian the earthly altar was united with the altar in heaven. What a wonderful
reality! "We have an altar." (Hebrews 13:10 NAB) Not just a table, but an altar, a
present reality. We have an altar! A deep, beautiful, solidarity! A God most definitely
“with us”:
"(Another) angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was
given much incense to offer, with the prayers of the saints, on the golden altar before
the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went
up before God from the angel's hand." (Rev. 8:3-4 NIV) Like the saints, our
petitions too rise from this sacred place. "We have an altar!" And with it, the
imperative to make right our life and offering: "If you are offering your gift at the
altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your
gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother." (Matt. 5:23-24)
Like Moses kneeling before the burning bush, it is here that we encounter Our God.
This is holy ground (Exodus 3:1-5). We stand humble before The Lord.
All of salvation history, the past, the present and the yet to be, are represented here.
The altar is the (physical) place of encounter with the incarnated Christ. St. Ambrose
wrote: "For what is the altar of Christ if not the image of the Body of Christ. The
altar represents the body of Christ and the Body of Christ is on the altar."
So, as I sit here this afternoon, before this beautiful altar, I think about heaven. I
think about how happy I will be to see my father and my mother again. I light

9
candles, make offerings, and yes, speak with them. Perhaps they have not gone far.
Jesus said: "He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."
(Luke 20:38 NAB). And here is my contemplation:

10
A EUCHARISTIC KINGDOM
“A Family Portrait”

Jesus said: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this
bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the
world…whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise
him up on the last day…whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me
and I in him.” (John 6:51, 54, 56)
Everyone seems to have some explanation of what heaven is really like. It
almost always travels into wild speculation. For the benefit of my family I've wanted
to present here a more solid contemplation.
“The Eucharist is truly a glimpse of heaven appearing on earth. It is a
glorious ray of the heavenly Jerusalem which pierces the clouds of our history and
lights up our journey." -- Pope John Paul II, Ecclesia De Eucharistia (19)
"No eye has seen. No ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has
prepared for those who love him." (1 Cor. 2:9 NIV) But don't we all wonder? The
thought of someday being able to leave all the heartaches and imperfections of this
life behind! We can almost envision this beautiful place. But can we really know
much about it...now? Is it possible to gain some good, maybe even reliable
speculation?
Before I begin I must say that there is no room for atheists in this discussion.
St. Thomas Aquinas in his "Five Ways" proved that there is a God. Yes, proved!
And for those who disdain religion in general, Aquinas didn't use religion to make his
"proofs". He used only science and philosophy. Naysayers don't need to block the
contemplation here with obstacle-like saw horses in the middle of the road -- to steer
away the earnest -- creating a kind of "managed truth" for themselves and others.
Maybe some people actually fear the truth and feel they need to block it. If that's the
case, they need to avoid people like St. Thomas Aquinas. But that's an argument for
another time. Let's instead consider that great and glorious place called heaven.
What can we really know?
Scripture offers some interesting and reliable snapshots: Images of a great
walled city. Images of streets paved with gold. A heavenly banquet. The absence of
night. A place where there is no evil, or fear of it. A place where we enjoy a close,
never-ending relationship with our God together with a fellowship with those we
share a common union or "communion".
Pope Benedict XVI recently stated: "The future world has already begun in
Christ, and this gives us the certainty of hope. The future is not some darkness in
which no one is able to find its way."

11
 His words intrigue me. My optimism builds. Are there some physical
realities? Not just think it and dream it? Are there reasons for hope?
Some have attempted to go beyond the pages of Sacred Scripture to speculatively
paint a picture of heaven. They speak of a place high above the clouds, a place filled
with angels and music, beautiful golden harps, against the backdrop of lofty leisure. They
come to it by way of near-death experiences, tunnels, light, special revelations. This
picture becomes fuzzy and paints outside the lines, however, when pastors, ministers,
and family attempt to add to the presumptions which we don't learn of in Scripture. I
don't wish to diminish these experiences, it's just that I was looking for something time-
tested, not based in private revelation, and less gnostic.
A famous Baptist evangelist once stated that heaven is 1,000 miles wide and
1,000 miles long. Parents, in attempting to explain very difficult things to their kids,
such as the loss of a loved one, without the help of the Catechism, will pontificate
that heaven is beautiful beyond compare with every good thing; a place of family
reunions, so much like the many Christmas and Easter gatherings from years past
that we most like to recall when all are present. This is probably a good image. Still,
apart from the instances of the declared Saints and their associated, medically-
verified miracles presented for beatification, we can't truly be sure who might even
be there lest we enter into presumption, which would technically be a sin against the
first commandment. Non-credible speculation, absent of a scientific or theological
model of inquiry, lacks serious contemplation.
Somehow the depictions of heaven through the lens or aperture of Sacred
Scripture and family assurances leave us wanting to know more. Accepting the fact
that there are things we can't know, however, our inquiry ends up in a kind of
thought-blocking cul-de-sac. But we need not stop here. We need not leave this cul-
de-sac too quickly! Truth be told, this is precisely where the Catholic can know
much, much more. The inquiry of many does not progress beyond mere speculation
or Scripture. They overlook the most important, most wonderful "Gift" we have for
really and truly finding out about heaven.
What would that "gift" be? The Giver himself! The Most Blessed Sacrament
of the Altar! The Incarnation is a world-changing event. "Emmanuel, God with us."
Not God "was" with us. We speak of Jesus with us! (cf. Matt. 1:23 NAB; also Matt.
28:20) "Happy are those who are called to His supper." "Blessed are those who are
invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." (Rev. 19:9 NIV)
Amazingly, this banquet is said to be ready "now" in the Parable of the
Wedding Banquet. Jesus said: "The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who gave a wedding feast for his son...'Behold I have prepared my
banquet...everything is ready.'" (Matt. 22:2,4 NAB) In fact, in this passage, it is
stated no less than three times that the banquet is ready! Yes, there is a banquet. It is
ready now. And we can partake of it! Now what wedding banquet would be ready
now?

12
 Heaven's Mass! The Sacrifice of the Cross made present. The re-gathering
of our family. The Catechism explains: "In the earthly liturgy we share in a foretaste
of that heavenly liturgy which is celebrated in the Holy City of Jerusalem toward
which we journey as pilgrims, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God, the
Father, Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle." (Catechism 1090) As
remarkable as this may sound, we can know quite a bit about heaven, and heavenly
reunions. And it is within the contemplation of, and the participation in, the Sacred
Liturgy, with the reception of the Blessed Sacrament, that we ultimately gain our
best peek into heaven; the new heaven and the new earth!
This is our family portrait: the unity of the mystical body; the Eucharist
makes the Church: Those who receive the Eucharist are united more closely to
Christ. Through it Christ unites them to all the faithful in one body – the Church.
Communion renews, strengthens, and deepens this incorporation into the Church
already achieved by Baptism. In Baptism we have been called to form but one body.
The Eucharist fulfills this call: “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a
participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a
participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many
are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” (Catechism 1396)
Dr. Scott Hahn, professor of theology at Franciscan University of
Steubenville explains ‘covenant love’ by relating it to the family in his book ‘A
Father Who Keeps His Promises’. Just as flesh and blood and a common name unite
the members of a family, Hahn says so are the members of God’s universal family,
the Church, united through baptism and the sacrificial banquet of the Eucharist –
Christ’s Flesh and Blood. Through the Eucharist, Jesus invites His beloved children
to become intimate members of “His” family, the Trinity, the eternal and original
covenant family.
Scripture tells us that we will see a new heaven and a new earth! "Behold I
create a new heavens and a new earth, and the former things will not be
remembered." (Isaiah 65:17 NIV) St. Peter writes: "According to his promise we
wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (2 Peter 3:13)
The very mention of a new earth opens up to us the fact that we are contemplating
here not just a spiritual reality, future or otherwise, but a "physical" reality as well.
The physical, after all, does engage the senses. Doesn't Scripture tell us now to
"taste and see" and to "touch and see"? Doesn't it make sense that a physical people
connected with a physical earth encountering a physical resurrection with the Risen
Christ, the Holy Eucharist, the Same being He who is God Incarnate, points -- even
now -- to a blessed "now" and "someday" of a physical resurrection? It's not just
wait and see. It’s not just imagine and hope. We, like St. Thomas, can touch and see
-- now.
Remarkably, it is in the Sacred Liturgy through the Most Blessed Sacrament,
Jesus Himself, that we gain a glimpse of the Resurrection. We can know something!

13
Can you see the link between the Most Holy Eucharist and the reunion you can
share with your loved ones?
According to the Catechism of the Council of Trent, "(The) holy Doctors
hold that (the Blessed Sacrament) has a threefold significance: (It) reminds us of
something past, (It) indicates and points out something present; and (It) foretells
something future." This wonderful Sacrament of Sacraments looks back to the
manna in the desert, present to the Last Supper, and ahead to the heavenly banquet.
The Mass is key! During the Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God, we witness a sign of the
Resurrection. The priest takes a particle of the host and drops it into the chalice. The
Body and Blood once separated at the consecration are now rejoined!! Christ,
through His Church, presents this awesome mystery! Thanks be to God!
Here's an astonishing fact! Through Christ's timely offering this world has already
begun to be transformed!! Don't the parables bear this out? The mustard seed though
small grows over time to become a large tree (Matt. 13:31-32). The yeast over time
works its way through the batter (Matt. 13:33). The transformation is taking place!
"From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully
advancing..." (Mt. 11:12 NIV)
From the Dogmatic Constitution of the Church, entitled Lumen Gentium, we
read: "The mystery of the holy Church is manifest in its very foundation. The Lord
Jesus set it on its course by preaching the Good News, that is, the coming of the
kingdom of God, which for centuries had been promised in the Scriptures: 'The time
is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand (Mark 1:15 NAB)'. In the word, in the
works, and in the presence of Christ, this kingdom was clearly open to the view of
men. The Word of the Lord is compared to a seed which is sown in a field (Mark
4:14) those who hear the Word with faith and become part of the little flock of
Christ (Lk. 12:32) have received the kingdom itself. Then by its own power the seed
sprouts and grows until harvest time (cf. Mk. 4:26-29). The miracles of Jesus also
confirm that the kingdom has already arrived on earth. (LG 5) ‘But if I drive out
demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.’" (Matt.
12:27 NIV)
No less than four times in the Catechism the Church has been described as
"the seed and the beginning of the kingdom." (Catechism 567, 669, 764, 768) We
see that same kingdom conferred upon the Apostles at the Last Supper (see Luke
22:28-29a NAB), thus solidifying the connection.
This tells us so much! We are not given to some meaning-starved, dreamy or
allusive transformation owing to let's-pretend or mere spiritism. We expect to see a full,
physical transformation as well as a spiritual transformation in this kingdom. This
kingdom is already a seed and a bulwark (1 Tim. 3:15 RSV-CE), a "visible wall of earth",
to touch and see!! See how the Eucharist is so important to this future understanding?
"There is no surer pledge or clearer sign of this great hope in the new

14
heavens and the new earth 'in which righteousness dwells' than the Eucharist."
(Catechism 1405) This is no less than the "medicine of immortality", according to St.
Ignatius of Antioch, who was taught by St. John himself. It is the "anti-dote for
death" and "the food that enables us to live forever in Jesus Christ."
In his "Imitation of Christ", Fr. Thomas Kempis shared: "You remain in this
Sacrament for the comfort of the faithful. You are the sweet refreshment of the soul,
and whoever receives you worthily will be a partaker and heir of eternal glory. It is
essential to me who am so prone to frequent falls, and who so quickly grow
lukewarm and careless, that I renew, cleanse and enkindle myself by frequent prayer
and confession, and by the holy reception of Your Body!"
The whole notion of “we can’t know much” or “we’ll just have to wait and
see” appears to be jolted, and frayed at the edges with the testimony of the earliest
witnesses. St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Justin Martyr, St. Ambrose and St. Irenaeus
come to mind.
I asked a nurse, who had just lost her mom to a brutal cancer, if she believed
that she would one day see her mom again. She said with certainty, “Yes!” She said
she would never forget the wonderful moments she had with her mom. She said she
longs to someday pick up right where she left off.
Don’t we all have cherished memories, special photo albums, special
stories? Don't we all recall a special moment that was extraordinary that we wished
would never end? A trip to the Universal theme park? A picnic with the cousins? A
call from a long-lost friend. The advent festivities leading up to Christmas? Can't we
glimpse into the eternal through some kind of understanding of these events and
what they evoke in us? There are some moments that we simply do not want to end.
They are just that special! These events take on a kind of eternal quality about them.
We almost feel as though we're already there.
Prayers, by example, are interestingly not confined to time and space. They
too have an eternal quality. In them, first we find an invitation from above, then a
call or response from our hearts. There the dialogue begins, our prayer then escapes
the mortal clutches of this life, reaching up to God, traversing inside the very gates
of heaven, to the ears of a loving Father.
Remember the Sacred Liturgy we celebrate, more than a prayer service, this
"one sacrifice" made present, this "now offering", takes place in heaven. (See
Catechism 1090) "In the earthly liturgy we share in a foretaste of that heavenly
liturgy which is celebrated in the Holy City of Jerusalem..." History tell us that for
both Irenaeus and Tertullian...to go to Mass was to live in heaven already.
Think about this for a moment. The altar of the New Covenant is the Lord's
Cross from which the sacraments of the Pascal mystery flow. In certain Eastern
liturgies, the altar is also the symbol of the tomb (Christ truly died and is truly risen).
(Catechism 1182). Your loved ones are encircled around that one altar. Family

15
members past and present, of all ages, from all generations, outside of time,
unbound by time!
But what about sin? Is there any doubt that there is sin in the world and in
our relationships? We know how it separates us from God. Sacred Scripture
cautions: "Nothing unclean will enter heaven." (Rev. 21:27 NAB). Twice in the
Gospel of St. Matthew we are advised that those "who hold out until the end will be
saved." What's more, we are called not to sin and selfishness and
‘unreconciledness’, but to holiness. Recall, that we are instructed to be reconciled
with our brother before we bring our gift to the altar. (Ref. Matt. 5:23-24)
Who could deny the reality of sin in the world or in ourselves or in me? I
confess that I often overlook, forget, or ignore the damage I cause by my sins. It's
short-sighted to think that I am "all set" in my present state. Again, twice in the
Gospel of Matthew we hear the words. "He who stands firm until the end will be
saved." (Matt. 10:22; 24:13 NIV). And should I become rather satisfied with my
good deeds and achievements I learn from Scripture that "even our good deeds are
like polluted rags." (Isaiah 64:5 NAB). Thankfully there is a remedy to my sad
condition: the Sacrifice of the Cross made present. Oh, the Paschal mystery! The
Cross is no mere historical landmark. We are connected in and through all time with
those we love.
In the liturgy of the Church, it is principally his own Paschal mystery that
Christ signifies and makes present. During his earthly life Jesus announced his
Paschal mystery by his teaching and anticipated by his actions. When his Hour
comes, he lives out the unique event of history which does not pass away: Jesus
dies, is buried, rises from the dead, and is seated at the right hand of the Father
"once for all". His Paschal mystery is a real event that occurred in our history, but it
is unique: all other historical events happen once, and then they pass away,
swallowed up in the past. The Paschal mystery of Christ cannot remain only in the
past, because by his death he destroyed death, and all that Christ is -- all that he did
and suffered for all men -- participates in the divine eternity, and so transcends all
times while being made present in them all. (Catechism 1085)
In the Mass, the bread and wine are changed. "The Lord spoke and it came
to be." (Psalm 33:9 NAB) It is through Christ and His Sacrifice, always made
present, this transubstantiation, that we glimpse into heaven. We gain the greatest
peek, as it were, into that great and glorious place through the Risen Christ, the
Great High Priest. This transubstantiation moment is a moment like no other ever. It
is the most important event taking place right now, somewhere, anywhere, on the
face of the earth. Jesus declares: "See I am making everything new." (Rev. 21:5
NIV)
I remember hearing it said once that transubstantiation didn't exist until the
12th or 13th century. No, the "word" may not have existed, but transubstantiation

16
took place at the Last Supper. St. Frances de Sales writes: "Do they wish to take
away these words of St. Luke (cf. 22:20), which shall be shed for you because the
Greek text clearly shows that what was in the chalice was not wine, but the true
blood of our Lord?" After all no one "sheds" grapes.
Theodore of Mopsuestia writes: "When (Christ) gave the bread He did not
say, 'This is the symbol of my body', but 'This is My Body'. In the same way, when
He gave the cup of His Blood He did not say, 'This is the symbol of my blood', but
"This is My Blood'...receive them as they are, the Body and Blood of the Lord, into
which they were transformed by the descent of the Holy Spirit..." Early Fathers
(350-428)
Jesus is a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek. (Gen. 14:18, Ps.
110:4, Heb. 6:20) As we know, Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and
wine; he was priest of God Most High. Is this not an argument for the Real
Presence? If Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek, and Jesus’ priesthood is
greater than that of Melchizedek, then mustn’t His offering be greater than that as
well? If Jesus’ offering was only that of bread and wine, how would his priesthood
be greater? This is significant as we ponder the words of our Eucharistic prayer:
“Through Him, with Him and in Him.”
From this I can see we have such wonderful provision; food for the journey,
as we attempt this perilous trek, and as we take up our cross daily.” (See 1 Kings
19:5-8).
Through the Sacred Liturgy we gaze into this truly blessed and wonderful
land. "You shall be called 'My Delight' and your land 'Espoused'." (Isaiah 62:4 NAB)
A land "espoused" speaks to such a transformation, a glorious land! It hints loudly of
heaven. A symbolic communion is inadequate. It doesn't bring us so far. It is not
efficacious. We need genuine transformation. We need to be completely changed.
Jesus says, "See I am making everything new." (Rev. 21:5 NIV) The new heavens
and the new earth are ushered in through Him.
Are you ready for some new memories with those you love?
It is profoundly this earth that is touched by God in a transformative way in order
to accomplish His Divine purpose. Where do we see example of this? In the Gospel
Jesus heals the man born blind by spitting "on the ground, (making) some mud with the
saliva, and (putting) it on the man's eyes." (John 9:6 NIV) This actually goes a long way
in opening up for us an understanding of sacraments and sacramentals. But could this
employment of matter (i.e. the mud) by Jesus be somehow more divine than the Most
Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, Our Lord Himself, we receive at Mass?
Scripture speaks of "the plan of the mystery ("sacramentum") hidden for
ages in God who created all things." (Eph. 3:9 NAB) These mysteries lead us all the
way into "full communion" with Christ and His everlasting kingdom.

17
 There is, even now, much happening. "The darkness is passing away and the true
light is already shining," writes St. John. (1 John 2:8 NAB) In the Church, through the
Sacred Liturgy (especially understood through His sacraments, the Most Blessed
Sacrament of the Altar) lives are right now being changed, as the Mass is being offered
every day, every moment, in every country, throughout the world. It is no less than "the
continuation of the incarnation," a term used by Pope Leo XIII.
The Catechism sheds light on this transformation taking place: "The visible
universe, then, is itself destined to be transformed, so that the world itself, restored
to its original state, facing no further obstacles, should be at the service of the just,
sharing their glorification in the risen Christ." (Catechism 1047) The Church will
enter the glory of the kingdom only (fully) through this final Passover, when she will
follow her Lord in his death and Resurrection.
St. Hippolytus in "De pasch" speaks about "...a day of long, eternal light
[that] is ushered in for us who believe in him, a day which is never blotted out: the
mystical Passover." (Catechism 1165) When the Church celebrates the mystery of
Christ, there is a word that marks her prayer: "Today!"...This "today" of the living
God which man is called to enter is "the hour" of Jesus' Passover, which reaches
across and underlies all history. (1165, cont.)
Fr. James O'Connor comments on the Eucharist and the relationship to
heaven in his definitive book, "The Hidden Manna": He writes: "The eschaton is the
whole of creation redeemed and transformed. It is the bodies of the just risen and
glorified. It is also the nonhuman ranks of material creation, which will, like the
elements of bread and wine in the Eucharist, have been touched by the Spirit and
thereafter serve Christ and all who belong to him in a new and more noble way than
they do now...The Eucharistic elements are here-and-now signs of what the Lord's
power can do -- and is doing -- to the material components of creation as he
employs them to his service...In the Eucharist, the material elements of this creation
already participate in the glory that will belong to matter when the plentitude of
liberation has been achieved...It is through these remnants of the present creation
that the new breaks into the old, the future into the present."
Speaking at the Eucharistic Congress in September, 2004 in Washington, DC.
Bishop Daniel DiNardo said, "...at the Last Supper (we see) the means of making
the saving act present and giving us a share in redemption...beyond the mention of
death and resurrection (at Mass) it includes the whole sweep of salvation, even the
Second Coming! So that is (where) we remember His coming in glory. An interesting
time sequence because in germ (in seed) it has already occurred."
Through the death of Lazarus recounted in the Gospel of John we are able to
see the future prospects of life. Lazarus dies, and Jesus is summoned by Martha and
Mary. Jesus is led to the tomb where Lazarus lay. There is a family sorrow here of
which we can all sadly relate. It is there that Lazarus is called forth from the dead

18
by Jesus. We can see from the passage that Lazarus "hears" (a physical attribute) his
name from the "other side". On Jesus' command he is restored to life. It seems that
Lazarus has a fullness of identity even in death. It is Jesus' voice that crosses the
divide enabling Lazarus to life anew. There is identity for him and us in the next
world, and yes, even movement! "Jesus called in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!'
The dead man came out, his hands and feet strapped with linens." (John 11:43)
There is movement (hardly a characteristic of death) coming from the darkness of
death, a stirring in the place of utter stillness. Astonishingly, Lazarus' first step
begins from that dark place. Death, at least in this example, is shown to lack
permanence.
He calls us by name too! "He calls his own sheep by name and leads them
out." (John 10:3 NIV) In the Catechism (Catechism 2158-9) "God calls each one by
name. Everyone's name is sacred. The name is the icon of the person. The name
one receives is a ‘name for eternity’." It calls to mind the fullness of one's identity.
In his book, "The End of the Present World (And The Mysteries of the
Future Life)", Fr. Charles Arminjon writes about the four qualities or properties of
the resurrected body. They include brightness, agility, subtility, and the inability to
become diseased. We see examples of these qualities with Jesus and His Resurrected
Body. Notice, for example, how he could pass through a tomb that was sealed. What
bright and beautiful prospects await those of us who love Him and remain in His
sacraments.
And yet, even with this rich hope available to us today, how can we have
some peace about the unknown? We live in a broken world. We carry around our
heartaches with us. Don't we all at some time have to deal with deep despair in this
life, such as the times we have to bid farewell to one of our loved ones? Is there a
connection available? An answer? An understanding? A bridge? I emphatically say
"yes!" It is at times like these we need a “bridge”.
Here's a useful example: Suppose a parent had to drop a child off at a
daycare. There would be the feeling, at least for the moment, of separation. The
mother or father would not be comfortable doing this at just any house. He or she
would want to know something about the house. Is it safe? Are the people there
trustworthy? Can the parent feel at peace until the time in which they can return, the
time they reunite? This is a loving and worthy concern. The unknown has to be
surpassed, or jumped over. What we don't know has to be gap-filled by a kind of
trust bridge that the missing element would be trustworthy for the parent. The word
"pontifex" means "bridge" and signifies a pope or bishop. In the Sacred Liturgy, the
Sacrifice of the Cross made present, Jesus the High Priest is that trust bridge. He
opens up heaven and all that is good to the worshiper as the "one God and one
mediator (or bridge) between God and man". (1 Tim. 2:5 NIV) Such is the reason
why we need the Mass. Jesus cannot be separated from his role as high priest, and
all that that means. He offers the sacrifice. The Sacrifice needs to be visibly,

19
physically and spiritually made present in order that we can enter into that heavenly
liturgy, that "eternal now". The ever-present hour. The cross is always relevant. It
can in no way be merely some historical landmark! His offering must be ever
present! Otherwise, I guess it could be said that some historical event, like the lunar
landing, would rival in importance.
Returning to the parents, God, I believe, lovingly understands what the
parents are feeling in this difficult passage (the loss of a loved one, maybe a child).
And the unknown must be something that the parents can understand, a kind of
"known" or "trust bridge" in its place. Comfort from above is available to them!
Our Lord has lovingly left us a means.
In death, is the life of the loved one simply gone and forgotten? I don’t think
so. Look to the beautifully caring and courageous witnesses of Joseph of Arimathea
and Nicodemus as they petitioned Pilate for the body of Jesus. In their actions they
testified to the meaning, even beyond this life, of Our Savior’s life. They received
him and prepared him for burial with strips of linen and spices. (John 19:38-42) But
how does this relate to you and me? I can’t help but think of the beautiful verse we
hear in the liturgy in the Easter season: “Therefore my heart has been glad and my
tongue has exulted; my flesh, too, will dwell in hope, because you will not abandon
my soul to the netherworld.” (Acts 2:26-27a NAB) In the Catholic faith we show
love and respect to our deceased loved ones. At a Catholic cemetary you will always
see family members placing flowers and speaking to their loved ones. It is fully
anticipated that there will be a reunion. It is implicitly stated even at this grave site,
where the conversation seems to just go one way, that there still exists a bond. A
bond that death has not been able to conquer.
Many wonder what will heaven really look like? What can I add to the
contemplations about this transformativeness of the new heaven and the new earth,
and the colloquialism of the known and the can't know just yet? Could I offer more
here? Some reliable speculation? We will be with our God. We will see Him face to
face. Here’s where I speculate. Here's the picture I envision:
I believe the settings in heaven will be familiar! Paris Mountain will be seen
in heaven. West Hill Lake will be seen in heaven. The Grand Canyon will be seen in
heaven. The places familiar and dear to us will be seen in heaven. A beautiful
meadow. A friendly vista overlooking a favorite stream. There will be people and
places that will be familiar and warming to the heart. The theologian consulted
referred to this point as credible speculation.
Entering into all-time I surmise that rather than seeing events of this life as a
series of past completed events, we will get back -- in some form or fashion -- even
those precious moments that are now, but will then no longer be padlocked,
governed by the rules now known to us under the principles of mortal moments. By
that I mean those great times we experience here in this life with those we love.

20
Don't they pass too quickly? Fortunately, even now we see evidence of the breaking
up of their power over us. The Mass takes place in time and in all-time,
unconstrained by mortal time, with graces pouring down from above. Talk about
hidden treasures!!
Pope Benedict XVI brings light to this precious mystery: “With the Eucharist,
therefore, heaven comes down to earth, the ‘tomorrow’ of God descends into the
present and it is as if time remains embraced by ‘divine eternity’.”
Stop and think for a moment about the best moments of your life. Consider
as before those moments that you hoped would never end. That somehow, if you
could, you would find a way to stop the clock and dwell there for a moment. That
goes quite a way to understanding what heaven will be like.
Think again of those cherished people in your life. Those past, those present,
and those yet to be born, such as a grandchild you might be expecting. We are at that
one altar where Christ presides. Whether it's 1846 or 1982, whether it's 50 AD or
2010, we are joined together as God's family free of any constraints of time and
space. Say hello again to a loved one you once said a tearful goodbye to. That too
goes quite a way to understanding what heaven will be like.
And until that time in which we are finally and fully reunited the Church
teaches us that it is by the Eucharist thus celebrated that the community of the
faithful, especially the family of the deceased, learn to live in communion with the
one who has fallen asleep by (here's the term:) "communicating in the Body of
Christ" of which he is a living member..(Catechism 1689) See, God considers our
deep-felt feelings even now. See, once again, how important is this Most Holy
Communion, joining us together in and through all time. Still, we are united. We
strive to find and embrace each other in a new and special way as we
"communicate" in His Body. How positively wonderful it is to consider this holy "in
common" union of Holy Communion.
Such a rich reality, Pope John Paul II taught in Ecclesia de Eucharistia, that
the Blessed Sacrament is a Communion-Sacrament ("Because there is one bread we
who are many are one body for we all partake of the one bread" - 1 Cor. 10:17), a
Sacrifice-Sacrament ("He took a chalice and when he had given thanks he gave it
to them, saying 'Drink of it, all of you, for this is the blood of the covenant which
is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." - Matt. 26:27-28) and a
Presence-Sacrament ("His name shall be called 'Emmanuel' which means God with
us." - Matt. 1:23, 28:20) The Priest makes clear this mystery of Emmanuel, God
with us, following the Agnus Dei: "This is Jesus! The Lamb of God who takes away
the sins of the world." Christ is one with His Church. What a precious and holy
communion we share!
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first
earth had passed away and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the

21
new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride
beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne
saying: 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will
be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe
every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or
pain...'" (Rev. 21:2-4 NIV)
According to the Catechism: "the final age of the world is with us and the
renewal of the world is irrevocably under way; it is now anticipated in a certain real
way..." (Catechism 1030)
It's fascinating to me as a lay Catholic that the greatest and perhaps only
glimpse we receive of heaven is through the Divine Liturgy, the "now offering"
(Catechism 1088) which comes to us through the Church, this ‘unbroken vine
through time’. It is presided over by the High Priest Himself. And not through some
dedicated reading of Sacred Scripture alone.
The Church provides the much needed words of confidence here: "All who
die in God's grace and friendship...are indeed assured of their eternal salvation."
Charles Dickens wrote: "Lost friend, lost child, lost parent, sister, brother,
husband, wife, we will not so discard you! You shall hold your cherished places in
our Christmas hearts, and by our Christmas fires; and in this season of immortal
hope, and on the birthday of immortal mercy, we shut out Nothing!" (From his
"What Christmas Is As We Grow Older", Christmas Stories, pgs. 23-25)
"He who was seated on the throne said, 'See I am making everything new."
(Rev. 21:5 NIV)
I believe it is through the bread and wine changed on the altar into the Body
and Blood of Christ that we come to see heaven. Through this "aperture" of the
consecration, Christ offering himself on the altar, we truly gain a certain glimpse or
perspective upon the new heavens and the new earth.
In a practical sense, we know that the Sacrament looks both to the past and
to the future, while fully embracing the present. This Liturgy brings with it an all-
encompassing unity. Everything changed at the Incarnation.
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first
earth had passed away and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city of
Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for
her husband." (Rev. 21:1, 2 NAB) Notice the image of there no longer being any
sea. There is instead the suggestion of one continent, if you will. And if one
continent, then also the suggestion of one common union, or one Holy Communion.
"Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, because
we all partake of the one loaf." (1 Cor. 10:17 NAB) When we receive this
Sacrament of Unity, according to the Saints, It doesn't become part of us, but rather

22
we become part of It, or more properly stated, Him. So, I conclude again, that we
will be one big happy family in heaven. Being in heaven will be a lot like those
Christmas and Easter gatherings, where all are present, which we like mostly to
remember.
"...He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."
(Luke 20:38 NAB).
This word from Our Lord gives me so much joy and comfort! When it
comes to our family members we contemplate that there's no such thing as gone and
forgotten. We keep them in our thoughts and prayers. We take nothing for granted.
We offer Masses for them. To offer the Sacrifice of the Cross made present for
them, from a Catholic and Orthodox perspective, is the greatest gift of all. Yes, we
can still “gift” them.
It's exciting to contemplate this future re-gathering, this future reunion. The
time in which He wipes the tears from our eyes and we see and hold our loved ones
again.
"...He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."
(Luke 20:38 NAB).
I have come also to see in a rich way the inherent value of every human life
through the Holy Eucharist. One day, while walking around the Danbury Mall, and
seeing all the people, I wrote "Face In The Crowd". In observing many people and
families that day I came to understand how important they would each someday
become for me. I began to think, almost as if to say to those I saw there that day,
"Someday I will know you." When I watch the communicants at the Vatican at
Christmas Mass I think "someday I will know you" too! God loves his big family!
I think also in a much fuller way now about creation. "God looked at
everything he had made and he found it very good." (Gen. 1:31 NAB). "For you
love all things that are, and hate nothing that you have made; for what you hated,
you would not have fashioned." (Wis. 11:24 NAB).
I once wrote, and now find it even more appropriate to reiterate: "The only
thing greater than God's creation is His re-creation."
We will not find in heaven some discounted version of this life. We won't be
confined to some ethereal existence either. No, we will find the beauty and
magnificence of Eden, only amplified. Instead of 100,000 varieties of fruit, perhaps
we'll find 500,000 varieties of fruit. The colors will be brighter. The hills and the
valleys more lush and lovely. The existing beauty of the West Hill Lake, the
imposing charm of Paris Mountain, the majesty of the Grand Canyon, the grandeur
of the Swiss Alps, will not be some offering of the Creator, only to be enjoyed for
this short span of time, and then somehow taken away. No, recall, the Scripture:
"What he hated he would not have made." He loves His creation. (See Gen. 1:31)

23
He doesn't take back His designs. He will not rescind.
What do you love most of what you've found here? A loving mother and
father? A great and special friend? A beautiful piece of nature? For me, perhaps
those beautiful Canaan Mountains in Northwest Connecticut. A family reunion or
time with a special friend that you wished would never end? It is not at all
unreasonable for you to believe that those people and places will be right there
waiting for you.
St. Augustine is able to describe heaven in the simplest of terms. In fact, the
great saint painted a picture of heaven with the brush strokes of his words and
theology that defy even the more extravagant of hopes and wishes. Heaven, he said,
"Take away all the corruption and add anything you like." That was St. Augustine's
way of summing it all up.
And what can be said about the "works" of mankind that even now seem so
inspired, possibly divine? Works such as Handel's Messiah? Or Mozart? Or Faure?
Or Bach? A special gift to a parent, perhaps, marking a special anniversary? Will
they and other fine works have a place in heaven? I would say, generally, it depends.
First of all, what do we mean "our works"? Or Handel's? I remember
washing the car with my father when I was very small. My father, of course, did
most if not all of the work. Nonetheless, when we finished and went in the house,
my dad said to my mother, "Peter washed the car." In reality, I didn't. My father did.
I helped. But no I didn't really accomplish this task. My father did. I only got the
credit.
Any real merit of any good work really belongs to God alone. It is He that
initiates always. So, the question as to the presence of any of a number of so-called
man's "works" in heaven for me would be "who" initiated them? Who inspired
them? Who saw them through to fruition? If He inspired the works, it's a very good
bet you'll find them in heaven.
So will we hear and know, for example, Handel's "Messiah" or Bach's "Zion
Hear the Watchman" in heaven? I feel confident that we will. And what other so-
called creations of man, wholly inspired by God (and He alone the reason they are
everlasting) will we experience in heaven? Beautiful art. Beautiful music. Great times
again with those you loved here. New friends, too! Your imagination can't even
begin to skim the heights of this contemplation. Suffice it to say wonder and awe
remain firmly in place. A theologian I admire validated this point as "orthodox".
Our priest made reference to our Eucharist (The Liturgy) as a "holy
exchange" -- a term used by the early church fathers. He referenced the idea that we
bring our simple gifts, and God then divinizes them. Thus, the holy exchange. But
more than this, our priest said that God even gives us the gifts we bring. Borrowing
from the aforementioned example we could say Handel offers and God makes holy,
or divinizes. I look forward to hearing this, and other great works, in heaven. In fact,

24
they too are a glimpse of heaven for me now.
This brings us to a whole new, and deeper appreciation of the mystery. This
opens up for us a whole, new treasure trove of things to consider. For what He
divinizes, He also makes holy. And what He makes holy is indeed made everlasting,
yes? Such as the gifts and sacrifices offered on the tablets of our hearts?
All of these contemplations I see through the lens, the perspective, the
viewpoint, the aperture of the Real Presence. The Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of
the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar and why this startling truth of the Real
Presence absolutely and positively has to be true. The Most Blessed Sacrament of
the Altar is the Risen Christ. In Him, we see the future prospects of our body and
soul.
And yet, sadly, as important as the Eucharist is to an understanding of such
wonderful truths, a most devout priest revealed to me recently that less than three or
four out of every ten Mass-going Catholics has an appreciation of the Eucharist.
What's more, less than one out of ten understand why the Eucharist is, simply put,
"everything", "the one and only pearl of great price." Is it possible that heaven can
be so close and yet so far away?
Pope Pius XII wrote: "The mystery of the Holy Eucharist, which Christ the
High Priest instituted and commands to be continually renewed, is the culmination
and center of the Christian religion." Pope John Paul II in "Ecclesia in America"
refers to the Eucharist as "the living and lasting center" of "inexhaustible wealth." We
must remain in the Sacraments, confessing our sins, and staying on the straight and
narrow.
Again, at a most important moment of the Mass, during the Agnus Dei, or
Lamb of God, the priest drops a particle of the Host in the Chalice. There we gain
an incredible glimpse into heaven. The Body and the Blood have been reunited.
There is a sign or evidence, at least as I see it, of not only the Physical Resurrection
of Our Lord and Savior, but the promised reality at work, and to come, of our
someday physical resurrection. The promised reality of the new heavens and the
new earth spoken so eloquently by St. Augustine and St. Peter. The promised
reality to the end of corruption, and the promised reality of a creation restored, one
about to be restored. A certain hope!
There is an awesome, saving power in the Mass, the Sacrifice of the Cross
made present, the “Hour” that doesn’t pass away, the Paschal mystery of Christ.
Notice how utterly decisive is “this Hour” against the evil of the notorious Babylon.
And yes, see good really does win:
“Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon, in one hour has your
judgment come … In one hour all this wealth has been laid waste … In one hour she
has been laid waste.” (Rev. 18:10, 17, 19)

25
 As an aside, it is apparent here that Secular Humanism, which is most
certainly a religion with a set of beliefs and man as its head, is not so potent at a time
like this. It really has no answers to the deeper questions and deeper heartaches. It
has no ability to unify and truthfully it has a short shelf life. It cannot even be
sustained within human time, let alone divine time.
Notice too in the continuation of this passage concerning the fall of Babylon
(which has happened and is yet to happen), there is gloriously one voice, one single
voice, of Bridegroom (Jesus) and bride. “The voice [singular] of bridegroom and
bride ” (Rev. 18:23). There are not thousands of different denominational voices,
nor the multiplicity of voices of many different religions. No, one single voice for
Bridegroom (listed first) and bride, a unity first expressed in the protoevangelium
with Mary and spoken as truth from the Church and her Saints since. The Church is
one with Christ. (Catechism 795) At this most critical moment we find a reunion.
In heaven will we be together again? Will we be able to pick up right where
we left off? Will our tearful goodbyes become tears of joy?
Can we even begin to contemplate the beauty of heaven? The Sacrifice of the
Mass gives us our best glimpse. There is a credible case to be made for those family
reunions with our lost loved ones. But, as our Act of Contrition (Ps. 51) makes clear:
“We must confess our sins, do penance, and amend our lives.”
Jesus said: “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he
who believes in me shall never thirst.” (RSV-CE).
In my last year of high school, and for the first time, I anguished over what it
would be like to lose a loved one. It troubled me deeply. I loved my friends and my
family and couldn’t bear the thought of one day being without them. So, I wrote this
verse:

Always Friends
I hope I’m always friends with you
when changes in our lives intrude.
I know they do.
I hope our dreams don’t disappear.
Or fade into forgotten years.
Of this I fear.
But what if time splits us apart
and keeping in touch becomes so hard?
A once a year card.
How long will it last? Friends here with you?
How long will it last for you?
A group of friends is what we are.

26
We’ve all been hurt but we’ve made it so far.
Can time create a scar?
I hope we get all that we can.
And not let loose to crazy demands.
Let’s make it our plan.
The past is easy to forget.
And new friends seem better yet
Let’s not forget we met.
How long will it last? Friends here with you?
How long will it last for you?

Today, I say that while I once lived with a loving despair for what I’ve lost, now I
live with rich Eucharistic hope: “Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue
has exulted; my flesh, too will dwell in hope” (Acts 2:26)

I now know why the Eucharist has-to-be true and I most certainly do believe that I
will see my loved ones again.

27
AUTHOR’S NOTE

This text has been reviewed by several priests. But I must say that this is not
presented as a qualified essay. I am not a theologian. But I have had access to some
great seminary professors and priests. I am a journalist by trade. I have learned to
ask good questions and take good notes. This is the contemplation of a layperson.
Here I examine some of the great resources the Catholic Church avails (the
Catechism, the writings of the Saints, the words of Pope John Paul II and Pope
Benedict XVI).
One renowned theologian said that there was some "credible speculation" here.
Another advised that the essay was "orthodox in point." That said, if there are any
textual conflicts between this small book and the Official Catechism of the Catholic
Church, it is the Catechism that is correct and not this author. This “encouragement”
was written for the inspiration of my family and should only be considered
"speculative". Watching our loved ones pass gives us all a yearning for the "tangible
hope" the Church has presented down through "all" the centuries, leading back to the
Last Supper.
It's amazing what one can gather from just sitting before the Blessed Sacrament. If
this personal reflection intrigues the reader to study the subject further, or better yet,
return to Mass, I'd feel rewarded. If it merely gets people praying and contemplating
"reunions" I consider that also to be a victory. I recommend Fr. James T.
O'Connor’s, "Hidden Manna", from Ignatius Press (Available on Kindle) for a more
qualified and comprehensive theological work. He has written a number of titles over
the years, including "Land of the Living". This fascinating book, among other points,
compares and contrasts the writings of Aquinas and Augustine concerning heaven.
Be sure to check out Brant Pitre’s “Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist”
and “The Lamb’s Supper” by Scott Hahn.

28
FROM MY FATHER’S FUNERAL MASS

On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare

a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine --
the best of meats and the finest of wines.
On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove the disgrace of his people
from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.
In that day they will say, 'Surely this is our God;
we trusted in him and he saved us.’
(Isaiah 25:6-9a NIV)

29
ENDNOTES
Scripture quotations designated NIV taken from The Holy Bible, New International
Version (R) NIV (R) Copyright (C) 1973, 1978, 1984, and 2011 by Biblica (TM).
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The "NIV" and the "New
International Version" are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and
Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. (TM)
Scripture quotations designated NAB taken from the New American Bible, revised
edition, Copyright 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine,
Washington, D.C. and used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights
Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form
without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
Scripture quotation designated RSV-CE taken from the Revised Standard Version
Catholic Edition, Copyright 1946, New Testament First Edition, Copyright 1965,
The Catholic Edition of the New Testament. The RSV is published by arrangement
with HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, All rights reserved.
Catechism excerpt(s) cited: Catholic Church/Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2nd
ed. Vatican: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1997. English translation, United States
Catholic Conference, Inc. Libreria Editrice Vaticana
De Sales, Francis (St.) Copyright 1989, The Catholic Controversy; St. Francis de
Sales' Defense of the Faith, TAN Books and Publishers, Rockford, IL.
O'Connor, James T. Copyright 1988, 2005 The Hidden Manna; A Theology of the
Eucharist, (pgs. 295, 296, 297) Ignatius Press, San Francisco.
O'Connor, James T. Copyright 1992 Land of the Living; Catholic Book Publishing
Co., N.Y.
Aquilina, Mike Copyright 2001 The Mass of the Early Christians; Our Sunday
Visitor Publishing Div., Our Sunday Visitor, Inc.
Dickens, Charles, 2004, Christmas Stories; Scholarly Publishing Office, University
of Michigan Library; Peoples American Edition.
The Roman Catechism; The Catechism of the Council of Trent; Copyright 1976 by
Marian Publications, South Bend, IN; Copyright 1982 by TAN Books and
Publishers, Rockford, IL.
John Paul II, "Ecclesia De Eucharistia" Publication No. 5-559, United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. Text from Libreria Editrice
Vaticana, Vatican City, 2004
Kempis, Thomas A, 1981, Of The Imitation of Christ; Whitaker House
Pope Paul VI (promulaged by), "Lumen Gentium", The Dogmatic Constitution of

30
the Church. Copyright 1965, 1998 Daughters of St. Paul. This unofficial translation
is based on the Latin text appearing in L'Osservatore Romano, Nov. 25, 1964.
Arminjon, Fr. Charles, w/ Translators Susan Conroy, Peter McEnerny; Copyright
2009 "The End of the Present World (And The Mysteries of the Future Life)"
Sophia Institute Press, Manchester, NH.
Hahn, Scott, Copyright 1998, Scott Hahn, Ph.D. A Father Who Keeps His
Promises, Published by Servant, an imprint of Franciscan Media, Cincinnati, OH.
Pope Leo XIII, Encyclical "Annum Sacrum" On the Consecration of the entire
world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; Given in Rome, May 25, 1899; Source:
www.zephyrinus-zephyrinus.blogspot.com.2014/06/feast-of-sacred-heart-of-jesus-
friday.html
Pope Pius XII, Encyclical "Mediator Dei" November 20, 1947 Source:
www.newadvent.org/library/docs_pi12md.htm

Copyright 2016 Quaker Lane Crossing. All rights reserved. No part of this book
(essay) may be used without written permission.
Contact: quakerlanecrossing@gmail.com

31