[adapted from Secrets of the Eucharist]

Lent is a time when the power of Mass become especially potent -- and especially His Blood. Remember this fact during the next consecration -- on Holy Thursday, and certainly Sunday:

When we meditate on the Real Presence of Christ, when we know through simple faith that He is really there, that He is actually manifest (that He is really listening), our prayers reach a new, forceful level.

We are given an opportunity to hand up our own private petitions during Mass -- a unique opportunity to address our most urgent needs. It's a moment that shouldn't be missed.

It's a special channel to God. The Mass was instituted to draw us into one Body, praying for each other, and we're our brothers' keepers. We are called to care about our neighbors as much as we care about ourselves. We're called to pray especially that we all remain "one Body, one Spirit, in Christ."

We're called to heal and teach and comfort. We're called to reconcile. We're called to preserve our loyalty and unity.

The prayers of our Canon go back to the fourth century and still preserve (as a priest so nicely put it), "the fragrance of that primitive liturgy, in times when Caesar governed the world and hoped to extinguish the Christian faith; times when our forefathers would gather together before dawn to sing a hymn to Christ."

As the Church has informed us through centuries of councils, the Mass is not a mere representation but actual reality. It is a real and visible sacrifice. It's a tribute, an offering. It preserves the sacred rites of ancient Jews but frames them in the context of Jesus.

It perpetuates His memory until the end of time and is applied for the sins we commit on a daily basis.

It's an ongoing re-presentment of His sacrifice on the Cross and also a celebration of His Resurrection. Thus the power of Holy Week!

Take advantage of Mass as much as possible this week. The Catholic Church is both a joyful and suffering Church. During the Eucharist we travel with Jesus to Calvary. We are at the foot of the Cross with Mary, John, and the pious women. Jesus' wounds are our wounds and our wounds are His. We are in union. We are one Body. With that unification, and only with that unification, comes the Holy Spirit.

Ask the Holy Spirit to tell you what you need and how to pray for it!  Come Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit Who grants guidance, heals sickness, strengthens our bodies, and protects us against all untoward events. It's the Holy Spirit Who imbues Mass with Christ's Presence. When there are miracles or revelations, these are accomplished through the Holy Spirit. During Mass He is especially strong. He is especially willing to pervade our spirits. And we should invite that. We should beg for His arrival. We should beg Him to pray through our own minds and lips. Again, we should ask Him to reveal to us what it is we should be praying about.

He is the Spirit of Truth. He is the Spirit of prayerfulness. When the priest gives us the opportunity to reflect upon our sins, we should ask the Holy Spirit to tell us what sins we most need to purge. We should ask Him to inspire our memories. We should ask Him to reach deep into our pasts and expunge any evil. We should ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us as to what we need for spiritual development.

And we should cover ourselves with the whiteness of His protection (and Resurrection).

Such is crucial in our time, when evil spirits are more numerous than ever, when they continue to climb in a horde from the pit, when they antagonize and anger and divide us. We need special protection, and that protection is given by the Holy Spirit. He draws us to God. He draws us to Jesus. As part of the Holy Trinity, He has the power to grant us health (if such is the Will of God) and shield us from demonism.

At Mass this Easter, we should ask the Holy Spirit to protect us and our loved ones from accidents and disease. We should ask for protection from any unfortunate events. We should ask the Spirit to send special angels and further empower those we have. We should ask Him to guide our every thought and action. We should ask for a long, healthy life, a holy death, and the sure route to Heaven. We only rid ourselves of anger and hate by connecting with God and letting Him come through us.

Nothing brings the Holy Spirit like the Eucharist, and with God, anything is possible. Anything can be accomplished. Anything (try it yourself) can change.

[resources: Secrets of the Eucharist]

[Detroit area retreat (Michael Brown): deliverance, healing, afterlife, Mass ]

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