This Week's Bulletin Sermon

Series on the Mass, Part 65: Three Apology Prayers, Part 3
June 20, 2021

The second apology prayer just prior to the priest receiving communion is a prayer particularly focused on Holy Communion. Dom Prosper Guéranger, O.S.B., calls it the prayer “par excellence” before communion. The prayer begins: “O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, who according to the will of the Father, through the co-operation of the Holy Spirit.” The three Persons of the Holy Trinity participate in our salvation.

By His death on the Cross, our Lord expiated our sin; thus, He removed the obstacle which prevented our being able to live the life of God. We implore our Lord to deliver us from all our transgressions and from all evils. To do this, we must obey God by adhering to His commandments. Our Lord said: “If you love Me, keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15).

We further implore Him that we may never be separated from Him. As the Church knows our weaknesses and how we flip-flop so easily, She makes us ask to remain in this obedience and love. It is precisely through the worthy reception of communion that this desire can be fulfilled. Jesus will be abiding in us for a time with His Body, but His grace will continue as long as we want it to. We pray, therefore, to never be separated from Him; that is, not to commit a mortal sin. Our devotion with which we receive communion is very important, since it helps us have the correct disposition of receiving Him and abiding in His grace.
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Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Charles Van Vliet, FSSP
Pastor, Regina Caeli Parish