Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in. (Psalm 24:7)
Several years ago, a friend gave me a couple of CDs from the Mary Foundation. One of them was a talk given by Vinny Flynn, called “Seven Secrets of the Eucharist.” The reason I mention this is that I recently heard Psalm 24 read at Mass, and it brought to mind one of the great “secrets of the Eucharist” that I learned from this CD. The speaker was careful to explain that the wonderful truths of the Eucharist are not secrets at all. It’s just that many of us have forgotten, or perhaps never knew, the marvelous depths of meaning in this celebration which stands at the very center of our faith. We know that when we celebrate the Eucharist, Christ is present. The “secret” is that He doesn’t come alone! Do you suppose He leaves the heavenly banquet behind? No! He brings everyone with Him! The Catechism says, “To the offering of Christ are united not only the members still here on earth, but also those already in the glory of heaven” (CCC1370).
As I thought about what that meant, I began to experience a new-found sense of awe. I imagined that as the priest elevated the consecrated host, not only was Christ quietly present on the altar, but the walls of the church were open wide as angels and saints streamed in, filling every empty seat. “Lift up your heads, O gates… that the King of glory may come in.” And not only were the heavy-hitters there, like St. Peter or St. Francis or Mother Teresa, but all the saints who had ever lived, even those I have known personally. I realized that my parents and grandparents and so many loved ones and friends who have gone home to heaven were worshiping and celebrating right beside me. Never had I felt so clearly what St. Paul described in Hebrews 12:1 as being, “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.” And the best part is, every time we draw close to Jesus in the Eucharist, we draw close to heaven. The words of the Preface say it so clearly: “And so, with Angels and Archangels, and with all the hosts and powers of heaven, we sing the hymn of your glory. Holy, Holy, Holy. Lord God of hosts.”
Open the door to your heart. Lift up your head, and welcome the King of Glory.
“Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory” (Psalm 24:10).
KEEP READING
- Entrance into the Temple. A Psalm of David. Psalm 24:1-10
- The Example of Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-4
- “The Seven Secrets of the Eucharist” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfmkypkZg4I
- https://prodigalcatholic.com/2015/10/20/7-secrets-of-the-eucharist-by-vinny-flynn/
What a magnificent realization.
I appreciate the mission of the Mary Foundation.
Thank you for the reminder
So enjoyed this reminder. I met a lady who attends daily Mass who said she does so to not only be close to Christ but also to her deceased son who is present . It is a comforting thought to be surrounded by all the angels and saints. Thank you for this post.