Vessels of the Lord

When you attend Mass, have you ever pondered what happens at the altar following Holy Communion? It is the Purification of the Sacred Vessels. With reverence, the priest purifies the sacred vessels, making certain that not one Host fragment and not one drop of the Precious Blood are left unconsumed.

Jesus Christ is present in the Blessed Sacrament. Therefore, the priest carefully consumes every crumb and every drop remaining. During this purification, the priest quietly prays: “What has passed our lips as food, O Lord, may we possess in purity of heart, that what has been given to us in time may be our healing for eternity.”

As the Lenten season approaches, let us contemplate the cleansing of ourselves as vessels of the Lord. Our purification through prayers and penance makes way for the graces and blessings our Lord wants to give us. “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself…, he will be a vessel for lofty use, dedicated” [2 Timothy 2:21].

The Lord’s Light

Imagine being pure of heart. Clearing away all that is non-essential, all the clutter that darkens our path to the Lord; we shine with the Lord’s light of grace! The words of Mary, Our Blessed Mother, become our own. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior” [Luke 1:46–47].

The Lord’s light guides us on our spiritual journey. As Jesus said: “For my yoke is easy, and my burden light” [Matthew 11:30]. His yoke is the way of life He taught us in the Gospel, according to St. Maximus the Confessor. Jesus spoke of a burden only because repentance seems difficult, reflected Maximus.

However, our cleansing during Lent and beyond enables us to find joy that comes with prayerful repentance and penance. Drawing closer to Him and His way, we see God’s love more clearly in our lives. The illuminating presence of God brings on a whole new way of perceiving daily living, replenished with the precious gift of Holy Communion.

Life Is Full

God’s love in our hearts deepens the desire to participate in God’s plan of salvation and repent when we stray away. Hold onto that desire! Be “ready for every good work” [2 Timothy 2:21]. Offering ourselves to the Lord, every part of our being holds value. Just as we see with the tiniest particle of the Host and drop of Precious Blood, united with our Lord, nothing in our lives goes to waste.

Holding Christ within us, we are not empty vessels. “From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace” [John 1:16]. Truly, with God’s grace, we become more Christ-like in our daily living as we partake in His divine nature.

As vessels of the Lord, may we overflow with the desire to share His love with one another as He shares Himself with us. The greatness of His love comes to us in His gifts, graces, and blessings, and especially when we gaze upon the Cross. Therefore, let us not be afraid of the crosses we are called to bear in life.

Instead, may we be open to the Lord’s revelations in the events of our day. May we draw closer to Him with every opportunity including every challenge and cross. Praying, contemplating the Scriptures, adhering to His Commandments, celebrating the Holy Eucharist, seeking God’s forgiveness, and performing acts of charity keep us shining with His light. Amen!