It is interesting to note that the month of April has been traditionally dedicated to the Most Holy Eucharist. This is remarkable because of the position Catholics have found themselves to be in. Instead of making strides to keep the Faith alive and active in the midst of Caesar’s edict, Cleveland TLM Friends learned that the shepherds petitioned YouTube to relax the 1000 subscriber rule for mobile live streaming access. Instead of finding ways here in Ohio to observe civic guidelines AND ALSO offer the public worship of the Church, we raise billboards to advertise watching Mass.
Catholics need the Holy Eucharist. We also need to offer Christ to the Father. One cannot assist virtually at the re-presentation of the Sacrifice on Calvary.
As the hart panteth after the fountains of water,
so my soul panteth after Thee, O God!
“My soul hath thirsted after the strong, living God;
when shall I come and appear before the face of God?”
“For what have I in heaven?
And besides Thee, what do I desire on earth?”
Let blind and infatuated worldlings intoxicate themselves
with the false, transient, and fading happiness of this life;
for my part, nothing besides Thyself can content me,
either in heaven or on earth.
Come then, O Thou Lamb of God,
Who takest away the sins of the world!
Come, Thou beloved of my heart!
Adorable Flesh and precious Blood of my Saviour!
Come, to nourish, comfort, and enliven my sickly soul.
O God of my heart!
Let me neither love, seek, nor think
of any other object but Thyself alone;
for Thou alone art my consolation,
my treasure, my joy, my life, my all!
“My heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the living God…
Thou art, O Lord of hosts! My King and my God!”
“Who will give me wings like a dove and I will fly and be at rest!”
*poem is from the 1962 Daily Roman Missal
Nothing else can content us. No matter how live or virtual.
Where does all this lead? The bishops, last I heard, canceled their June meeting for fear of being together. Can we expect them to allow us together then? Time will tell.