The Absorption of Grace that began 2,000 years ago

Believe it or not the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ brought more than a payment for our sins; it became a life-long premise of something we never would have created for ourselves. Grace is more than a series of blessings that seem to become so spiritual within us there becomes a silent touch by Christ that shouts into our heart that changes the direction we have already begun.

Although each of us learned to pray and trust that God would see us through during the most severe intervals of tragic occurrences; we may not have understood the meaning of grace that is the impetus of God’s deep love for you and I.

There is a deep theological premise that Roman Catholics learned but many did not understand the several attributes that exist as Truth to our faith. Unfortunately too many in our current Church find it difficult to accept what has been manifested since the Church began. I alluded to this in the article for September 8; the nativity of Mary the Mother of God.

We do not have a library of documents that our Lord left for us before he ascended back to heaven. But through the magisterium of our Church and many Councils with men and women who stand as Doctors of the faith have secured a Truth that has withstood many centuries fighting heresies to the truth. There are many areas to ponder but there is one that presents a place of discernment for truth. It isn’t those of us who need this discussion but the truth many who are held back by doubts of God’s presentation to use his mysterious plan of salvation out of love.

Perhaps the most hidden reality is what occurs during Holy Mass when the Holy Eucharist physically becomes the living being of Christ entering bread and wine and through the Holy Spirit becomes the Crucified Lord of Calvary right before our eyes The many churches that use this event as a symbol and some use crackers and grape juice to what they call communion try but cannot equate what Catholics witness at every Mass.

The “Collapse of Time” which I have described before, is the very essence of Christ’s Crucifixion on the altar of sacrifice. When the celebrant (Priest of Bishop) lifts the bread for consecration it is Jesus who at the Last Supper is lifting this morsel as he is nailed to the cross saying, “this is my Body given up for you.” Then the celebrant lifts the Chalice which was prepared by the deacon who said, “by this mystery of the water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.” As the chalice is raised it is Jesus at the Last Supper lifting himself and dying as his body empties his Blood. This happens at every Holy Mass and never ends. We are blessed to observe and share at each Mass what is occurring at the Last Supper and coincidently on the Cross at that moment. This is the Collapse of Time.

It is a fact that by this mystery is the truth that once consecrated to the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ, he remains forever in the species which is given for us who believe. Even those who do not believe, Christ is still there. Of all the mysteries of Christ this is essential.

Ralph B. Hathaway