An Evangelizing Perspective on the Eucharist

Abstract

An Evangelizing Perspective on the Eucharist Frank Desiano, C.S.P. (bio) We have different ways of emphasizing images for the Eucharist. One standard discussion sees the Eucharist as a sacrifice, requiring a high level of quiet and attention; on the other hand, the Eucharist can rightly be considered a meal in which believers share. In this case, the dimensions of community and communication are essential. A ritual sacrifice sends out certain vibrations; a celebration sends out other vibrations. To some extent, the various liturgical "wars" we sometimes hear about revolve around these different images and the difficulty of resolving them. Should the emphasis be on "reverence," often meaning silent attention; or should the emphasis be on gathering and involvement, often meaning interaction between the participants? Beyond these two familiar images, another image needs to be developed: that of the Mass as an evangelization service. These kinds of services are now quite familiar to people in almost all cultures: animated music, emphatic welcome, a warm sense of community, solemn reading of scripture, a very powerful (and perhaps extended) sermon, followed by more singing and the receiving of gifts. At the end of this service, the minister traditionally invites new participants who wish to "give their lives to Jesus" to come forward. These people come forward, usually accompanied by one or several members of the congregation, with tearful sobs, as the minister embraces them. They are then accompanied to a separate space where counselors talk with them, helping them discern next steps. Meanwhile, the worshippers applaud these conversions and proceed to a rousing dismissal hymn. In Catholic circles, these kinds of services are often derided as "entertainment," certainly an un-ecumenical judgment because, in the first place, none of those participants would call what they do "entertainment," and, more pressingly, an adjective like this serves mostly to dismiss the experience of others. Just as Catholics resent being characterized as "image worshippers," and find the term derogatory, so those [End Page 167] who worship in an evangelical style should resent their service as being called "entertainment." The style of celebrating Mass, with an emphasis on silence and ritual, is that: a style. We have had decades of experiencing popes visit all continents; no one objects to the elaborate processions, the passionate singing, the occasional applause, the enculturated dancing and musical instruments. No one dismisses these as "mere entertainment" either. This article will not argue about styles, even though these should be seen as essentially that, "styles" which put the particular liturgy into a context. The frequent intolerance of styles of worship often reflects an all-too-willingness of Catholics to judge other Catholics. This has often resulted in the Eucharist being celebrated across parishes with a desire "not to offend anyone," thereby depriving parish communities of the ability to place distinctive emphases on aspects of their worship. Why is the applause that culturally suits some congregations often held up for criticism? If silence can be a response to "awe," so can applause, particularly when the applause basically is an overflow of the joy of the congregation (and not some acknowledgement of Pelagian talent on the part of preachers or music ministers). We all remember David dancing before the Arc (2 Sam. 6:3–5). The only one who resented David was Saul's daughter, Michal, for a variety of complex motives quite apart from David's enthusiasm. Rather than concentrating on styles, the emphasis of this reflection will be on the dynamics of worship. An evangelical worship services emphases call and response. The "call" involves the power of the Word of God to instill something analogous to conversion (e.g., renewal of faith experience, rejection of bad patterns in life, pointed insight, a powerful re-affirmation of thanks to God). The "response" involves a renewed commitment to discipleship through Eucharistic experience. After the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the call-and-response pattern of the Mass became transparent. The defined "two parts" of the Mass (Word and Eucharist) naturally fit into patterns that evangelical services employ. It would be helpful, then, to look at the Eucharist from the evangelical dynamics of call and response. This involves peering behind the exterior ritual...