As Elijah sat by the brook watching the stream flow by, so we are watching as the Blood of Christ flows through our hearts,

As Elijah sat by the brook watching the stream flow by, so we are watching as the Blood of Christ flows through our hearts.

There is something soothing about water falling off a mountain creating a rhythmic sense to our emotions, and giving meaning to our needs for solace.  Or sit by a stream as children run and play, or small animals hunt for whatever they need.  In both cases, the world around us uses the available elements to arouse feelings of peace and tranquility in each of us, while they go on their way as a natural path in life.  

Would anyone ever conjure up scenes of blood flowing except for bringing life-giving oxygen to our vital organs.  Of course, as we just completed the Paschal Mystery and because of the Blood of Christ on the cross, we are the result of a sacrifice so perfect that speaking about the Blood he shed is appropriate as believers in our redemption.  

Of all the attributes we speak of with the Paschal sacrifice, the Precious Blood becomes the most essential element that is left in our care and resolve.  

Standing in line during holy communion most people may never consider the Blood of Christ that is in the host as well as his Body.  This of course brings up the theology of the Real Presence of Christ in every host consecrated through the hands of the priest.  I’ve heard some people complaining that they don’t see real blood as they chew the host.  And it takes a lot of deep faith to believe and accept this teaching.  It will not become a prerequisite to enter heaven, but believing in this premise is as close as one can get to the actual Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  

It appears that most Catholics are not interested in any theological truths.  For the average parishioner in the pew just getting to church and adhering to the simple rules of the church, that is enough.  Perhaps that might be the number one reason for those who have left the church.  Their acceptance of a scandal that hurt all of us is too much and items such as the real presence of Christ means nothing to them.  Leaving the church is just another stroke in the life of church goers.

Believers adhere to the real presence of Christ in the host, and will hold onto their faith at any cost.  That is why some connection to theological premises is important when a crisis presents itself and we are challenged as our faith is attacked.       

Apparently it may seem that as we accept the Blood of Christ in the host at holy communion, so we can accept that his Blood is ever flowing within our hearts.  As water flows rendering our emotions in a peaceful feeling, so the Blood of Christ flows within our hearts, rendering a peace that cannot be explained;  it just is!

Ralph B. Hathaway