Pastoral Reflection: Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026
After the Prayers for the Catechumens and the Faithful comes the Great Entrance. The bread and wine are carried in procession through the church and brought to the holy altar. In this procession, the Church tangibly offers her gifts to God.
Through our baptism and chrismation, we share in the priesthood of Christ. As the gifts are offered, we are offering ourselves as well. We place our whole lives into Christ's hands so that He may receive them, bless them, and give them back to us filled with his healing and saving grace.
As the choir sings the Cherubic Hymn, we hear the call to "lay aside all earthly cares." For a few moments, we are invited to set aside the distractions and burdens of daily life and turn our full attention to God. Together with the angels, we prepare to stand before His heavenly throne as the Divine Liturgy moves toward the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
With love in Christ,
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