by Doug Lawrence
It’s been happening more and more, lately! I look up to the altar as the priest recites the words of consecration, and instead of seeing Father Al up there doing the work, I see Jesus Christ, instead.
I look at him. He looks at me. Our eyes meet. Then, I’m instantly transported in spirit, to the Lord’s Day … at the end of time … just as St. John describes it, in the Book of Revelation (See Revelation 1:10).
The church building and the sanctuary within it has literally become Heaven.
The congregation has expanded a bit … now consisting of every angel and saint who ever lived … or ever will live. Surveying its massive length and breadth, I can identify the Blessed Virgin, all of the patriarchs and apostles, the evangelists, the martyrs, the doctors, the mystics, choirs and choirs of angels, even some long-passed family, friends and neighbors. And of course … Jesus.
The Mass has become the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, where Jesus, the spotless victim, is both the divine host and the primary object of worship, receiving glory, praise and honor for his great, finished work of salvation, and where Jesus subsequently presents the Church … fully perfected by his grace … as his beautiful bride … to God the Father. (See Revelation 19:1)
The congregation … which had consisted of the usual assortment of sinful humanity … has now been completely and utterly transformed. Clothed in abject finery, now perfect in every respect … thanks to Jesus … our perfect, holy and spotless bride groom … whose saving grace has made all the difference … just as God always intended.
Then, I’m back!
The bottom line: Every time we attend Mass, we experience a little “slice” of Heaven, right here on Earth … a miraculous preview of wondrous and amazing things to come … thanks solely to the real presence of Jesus Christ … who cherishes us with a holy and inestimable love.
Don’t miss it, for the world!
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