I attempted to visit some churches tonight. The tradition is seven – which is doable around here – but given that we got a late start and given the limitations of my pilgrimage companions, we called it a night at three.
(Forgive the poor photo quality. I left my camera at home at had to use my phone. It’s probably a blessing because the photos weren’t the point. But still – I wish I had a better shot of the Cathedral chapel setting of the Tabernacle. It was gorgeous, even more so for being in such a small space.)
Our Lady of Sorrows , Homewood.
St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church. We arrived at the end of a service – a reading of the Passion account and then prayers – being recited here. The Blessed Sacrament is in repose to the left, surrounded by candles.
Cathedral of St. Paul.
With the Eucharist, the Church is born. All of us eat the one bread and receive the one body of the Lord; this means that he opens each of us up to something above and beyond us. He makes all of us one. The Eucharist is the mystery of the profound closeness and communion of each individual with the Lord and, at the same time, of visible union between all. The Eucharist is the sacrament of unity. It reaches the very mystery of the Trinity and thus creates visible unity. Let me say it again: it is an extremely personal encounter with the Lord and yet never simply an act of individual piety. Of necessity, we celebrate it together. In each community the Lord is totally present. Yet in all the communities he is but one.
Three is stil impressive in my book.
Thanks, Amy. More proof that St Peter was the first post-modern when he asked, DOMINE, AD QUEM IBIMUS? I think I’ll read some Walker Percy for lectio divina today. Cheers
Ok…. good post here. You beat me to this. I have yet to upload my 6. We took a bus with Fr and the young adults here in Tampa. The last church closed before we got there or could get there.