I’m referring to the institution of the Eucharist which we commemorate on this evening of the Last Supper. This theme comes later in the mass, and it is understandable that many years we are “focused out” by this time. We have gotten through the “once a year” stuff, and are doing the “weekly” (or for some, “daily’) routine of our Catholicism. Although unfortunate, this may be sometimes, unavoidable. 

But this year may be the right year for us to focus on this theme. Our current situation has highlighted the need to serve one another, and so many are responding. But we long for our gathering together at table. We long to celebrate the rites that we too often sit through out of habit rather than hunger. This year we hunger for the feast.

Instead of our regular Touchstone “reflection” I have put together a recording of the Eucharistic Prayer that I sometimes (though not often) chant. Holy Thursday has been a favorite time for me to chant this prayer as it helps to lift it up in an already emotionally stacked liturgy. So with just a few images to see (although you may simply want to listen), this is the prayer that belongs by right to the gathering of people. This year it may help us to sense what we cannot physically feel.