Explanation of Pat Ludwa's VIEW FROM THE PEW column

INTRODUCTION

        Pat Ludwa, a committed lay Catholic from Cleveland, has been asked to contribute, on a regular basis, a lay person's point of view on the Church today. We have been impressed with his insight and the clear logic he brings to the table from his "view from the pew." In all humility, by his own admission, he feels he has very little to offer, but we're sure you'll agree with us that his viewpoint is exactly what millions of the silent majority of Catholics believe and have been trying to say as well. Pat puts it in words that help all of us better understand and convey to others what the Church teaches and we must believe.

        In his column for August 28th, Pat delineates the difference between relativism and reality regarding the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The relativism is that over the last thirty plus years many generations have come to call it the "Eucharistic Meal" with the emphasis on celebration. Pat decries how this has been misconceived by so many - both laity and clergy - into emphasizing the meal aspect of the Mass while the terminology and meaning of Transubstantiation, the meaning of the altar are lost in the maze of terms and assumed rituals that accompany this august worship service. The reality, as Pat points out through Vatican II documents and other sources, is the sacrificial nature of the Mass where the Lamb of God - Jesus Christ is offered up for our sins. The Last Supper is not remembered for the meal but for the institution of the Blessed Sacrament Which can only be accomplished through the unbloody sacrifice on the altar where the bread and wine truly become His Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity at the Consecration through the confection known as Transubstantiation. Yet, Pat shows where, rather than embracing this doctrine fully, many downplay this vital and pivotal part of the Mass - choosing instead to emphasize the "celebratory meal" in reference to the Last Supper. Pat clears up the misconceptions about this event in the upper room that the Apostles were not celebrating the food per se, but the essence of the nourishment for their soul - the Holy Eucharist that could only be given to us through the ultimate Sacrifice the Father deigned for His Son. That is the gist of his column, We've forgotten something so vitally important to our Faith .

        For past columns by Pat Ludwa, click on VIEW FROM THE PEW Archives   If you want to send him ideas or feedback, you can reach him at ludwa@core.com


    Explanation of Pat Ludwa's VIEW FROM THE PEW column

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