Catechism 101 - The Lord's Presences!

It is good to know the meaning of our faith. There are many things we are doing in our faith that may not be that clear to us. Recently, I have noted some very important and interesting truths and symbols in our faith. Knowing them will help us appreciate more our worship and life of faith.

In the sanctuary, there should be three things that must be present and easily seen. What are those? They are the altar table, the lectern, and (would you believe) the presider's chair! Many would think that the tabernacle should be a fixture in the sanctuary. But it is not. Strictly speaking, it is a redundancy of the altar table. The three main fixtures represent the Lord Jesus in different ways and in varying degrees. The altar table represents the presence of the Lord in the Body and Blood. The lectern represents the presence of the Lord in His Word. The presider's chair represents the presence of the Lord in the priest. The other presence is the congregation. The tabernacle is another representation of the presence of the Lord in His Body which is already fulfilled by the altar.

But why the tabernacle in most sanctuaries? It should be noted that there was a time when there was no tabernacle. In masses during those days, the priest consecrates hosts that are just enough for the faithful. Every host consecrated was consumed. However, the need to give communion to the sick and the dying arose. It was decided that some hosts should be set aside in case a viaticum comes. Also, there was a time when the belief in the Eucharist was being attacked. In order to assert and proclaim the faith better, the tabernacle was placed in the sanctuary and in most cases, at the center. Since then, the utility of the tabernacle had evolved and developed up to the present. It now found a great expression in the adoration chapel.

The next time you enter a church, do not fail to recognize the presences of the Lord in the congregation, in the priest, in the Word, and in the altar. And if you want a more intimate presence and meeting with Him, go to the adoration chapel.