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Dear Friends,
As we enter into a monumental week in the history of our nation, the bishop has asked all his priests to use at their ordinary Sunday Masses, the Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation.
The Eucharistic Prayer is the central act of worship in the Mass which immediately leads up to and follows from the consecration of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. In the ordinary form of the Mass, the priest might typically use one of four Eucharistic Prayers. However, in the revised Roman Missal there are as many as ten Eucharistic Prayers which can be used depending on the need and circumstances. The Eucharist Prayer for Reconciliation, if chosen, might typically be used during a weekday during the penitential season of Lent.
Although Ash Wednesday is only a month away, the themes contained in the Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation are relevant even now. This prayer reminds us of the effects of sin, the testing of our hearts, and the sacrifice of Christ who continually seeks to restore the unity of the human family for the sake of our heavenly Father’s plan of salvation for the world. Below, I offer you the preface of this rarely used Eucharistic Prayer, hoping that you will keep its words in your mind and heart, particularly during this coming week.
Of course, the traditional prayer to St. Michael the Archangel is also very much appropriate after Mass as we are sent as missionary disciples and witnesses of Christ into the battlefield of a world in much need of being reconciled with our Heavenly Father.
Father Cávana Wallace
Pastor
Preface of the Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation from the Roman Missal
It is truly right and just
that we should give you thanks and praise,
O God, almighty Father,
for all you do in this world,
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
For though the human race
is divided by dissension and discord,
yet we know that by testing us
you change our hearts
to prepare them for reconciliation.
Even more, by your Spirit you move human hearts
that enemies may speak to each other again,
adversaries may join hands,
and peoples seek to meet together.
By the working of your power
it comes about, O Lord,
that hatred is overcome by love,
revenge gives way to forgiveness,
and discord is changed to mutual respect.
Therefore, as we give you ceaseless thanks
with the choirs of heaven,
we cry out to your majesty on earth,
and without end we acclaim: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of Power and Might...
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