Inside ML

Every day I’m asked by someone, “Why be Catholic?” Why remain in a troubled church, stumbling from one crisis to the next, seemingly determined at times on self-destruction? Joan Chittister answers it this way: “I stay in the church because there is nowhere else I know that satisfies in me what the church itself teaches us to seek: a sacramental life that makes all life sacred, a community of faith that celebrates life together, the proclamation of the image of God alive in each of us, the contemplation of truth that makes life meaningful” (In the Heart of the Temple [Bluebridge, 2004]). The gospel command to love is made tangible in that sacramental life, and that sacramentality in turn strengthens us to live out that command. 

In this issue of ML, we explore that command. The winners in the Sacred Art category of our Visual Arts Awards demonstrate the power that art has to enable the deep relationships of faith that lead us to new dimensions of holy presence. In a separate feature, a team of talented artists has transformed a worship space reduced to near destruction by the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Creating this sanctuary of hope is the antithesis of the destruction and despair of the events surrounding the 9/11 attack. Larry Hoy shares the story of how this came to be. 

In a detailed exploration of the spiritualities of Eucharist, Scott O’Brien considers the varied approaches to an understanding of Eucharist. Often a point of misunderstanding between conservative and more progressive elements in the church, this balanced approach presents an inspired perspective on the development of post-conciliar eucharistic theology. Mary Barbara Agnew contributes to our understanding of what we do when we gather around the table with her consideration of how the eucharistic liturgy contributes to the renewal of the primacy of Sunday. Finally, in a practical focus on communion ministers, Tom Iwanowski asks the provocative question “What are we doing for Christ’s sake?” as he shares his perspective on the actions of these ministers and what they mean in the context of the worshiping assembly. 

In the end, what is it that the command to love calls us to do? Again, Sister Joan has a suggestion: “Both of us, this church and I, have need to grow. The church needs to grow in its understanding of the gospel, and I need to grow in my understanding of myself as I strive to live it. It is, in other words, a journey of conversion for both of us.” For all of us, let the journey continue.  ML

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