To Us Also, Your Servants, Though Sinners

In the part of the First Eucharistic Prayer (Roman Canon) following the commemoration of the faithful departed, we seek “some share and fellowship” with the apostles and martyrs. We recognize that we are sinners, but we are God’s servants and we hope in the Father’s abundant mercies.” The priest, when praying these beautiful words, strikes his breast at the words “though sinners” as a way of expressing awe before the mystery of the Body and Blood of the Lord and in sorrow for sins committed by him and the people present.

Trusting in the unfailing mercy of God, there is always hope to be admitted into the company of the saints who praise God in the heavenly liturgy. At the same time, there is also confidence in the intercession of our brothers and sisters who are enjoying the Beatific Vision. Admission into the company of the apostles and martyrs evokes for us a true sense of fraternity and friendship. While we firmly believe that entering the heavenly kingdom is a highly elevated supernatural reality, we know that the very reality is love that speaks of intimacy. This intimacy springing from love proclaims why we are at Mass to begin with. We are on the road of the pilgrim, but we have our eyes on heaven.

In an incisive way, this part of the Eucharistic Prayer and, in fact, the Mass in its entirety speak of what our whole existence is all about. We are created by God to adore and love Him and to be with Him forever so that we may be fully as He has created us to be. This also means that we are created to love God first, so that we may be bound together in love for one another.

This reminds us that we are called to transform the world into a civilization of love. In order to be prepared to enter effectively into this transformation, we must be prepared by the supernatural help of God’s grace, His own life. The outpouring of God’s grace happens in the most extraordinary of ways at the Sacrifice of the Mass.

To us, also, Your servants, O Lord, we ask you to give us always your grace so that we may keep our eyes on the Kingdom. Help us also, by the example of the saints, to grow in love for one another to the greater honor and glory of God.

Most Reverend William J. Waltersheid

Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh