Doers of the Word
August 8, 2021
Dropping a piece of the Host
Before the priest holds up the host and the chalice and says, “Behold the Lamb of God,” he breaks off a small piece of the host and drops it into the chalice. Why? Because it is a custom that goes back to the old papal Masses when a piece of host from the previous papal Mass was placed in the chalice to signify continuity with the Mass that went before. On Sundays and feast days the pope would send small piece of the host he had to the other churches in Rome.
It was a gesture that signified unity: all ate the same Eucharistic bread. All were bound by a common faith and united in one church. Think of that when you see the priest drop a piece of host into the chalice.
We are connected with all those throughout the world who this day are celebrating the Eucharist whether openly in churches or secretly in an underground church or private homes. This is happening more and more today as Christians are daily being persecuted in many lands. We are connected to one another through the Mass. We belong to something larger than ourselves. We are sisters and brothers to all those who this day break bread in the name of the Lord.
The Eucharist is unity and mission. Unity says we are connected to those Christians in China, Yemen, Iraq, and African who today celebrate Mass in secret and in terror. Mission says we are sent to share what we have celebrated. The parting words say it all, “The Mass is ended, go in peace.” The word, “Mass” is the Latin word for “mission”. Therefore, when we leave here, in a very real sense our Mass just begins.