I am reading a book called Holy Silence about Quaker worship. They have no liturgy, or preaching, just communal silence where they listen for the voice of God and become aware of His presence amongst them.
The author brought a group of young Quakers to Mass once so they could see how other Christians worshiped. He was friendly with the local Priest who gave them a talk first and explained what would be happening so that it would not be a complete mystery.
Afterwards they had a chat over dinner and the young Quakers were asked which part of the service most closely resembled their own Quaker worship. They all agreed that it was in the Eucharist, the Consecration. One put it like this “that was when we really felt that Jesus was there” Another added “it got so quiet then” another indicator for them of the Lord’s presence.
Many in our church scarcely believe in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist sadly and this lack of belief has been repeated over the centuries countered just as frequently with Eucharistic miracles. The first being at Lanciano in Italy where a monk wrestled with his doubts about Transubstantiation and during Mass the host was visibly changed into flesh and blood.
More than a thousand years later it remains, not having undergone any decay. Tests done in the 1980’s showed that the host was heart tissue, and the blood was still fresh. What a gift we have been given.
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