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September 12, 2021Dear Parishioners,
This weekend marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on our country. We remember in our prayers and Masses those who died on that day and their families. Masses and prayers for the dead, no matter how long after the day of death, help those who have died on their way to heaven. We also pray for all who have died over these last twenty years. More than 2,400 U.S. military personnel and nearly 50,000 Afghan civilians died in the war, with thousands more wounded and permanently injured. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, spoke about the situation in Afghanistan. He said: “I entrust the dead to the mercy of Almighty God and I thank those who are working to help that people so tested, especially the women and children. I appeal to everyone to intensify prayer and practice fasting and penance. Now is the time to do it I’m serious.” Let us pray for the dead and the protection of all our military and those now living under the Taliban who face violence and even death.
Recently we witnessed the transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base for the thirteen U.S. service members who died serving our country. They died trying to evacuate American and Afghan allies in a terrorist attack on Kabul airport. In our prayers we remember them in a particular way. I was struck by the care and dignity with which their bodies were carried from the plane. It shows that respect for the body of those who have died is an essential part of burying the dead. Likewise, as Catholics we do not simply throw the bodies of our deceased away like an empty husk. We treat it with the utmost respect, since through grace it was the temple of the Holy Spirit. We also look forward to the day when our bodies will be recreated at the resurrection.
Respect for the body is a hallmark of Catholic theology. For the eagle eyed among parishioners you may have noticed a new addition at Mass. Along with the chalice, pall, and purificator a new cloth rests on top of the pall. This cloth is called the corporal. It is a sacred cloth of white linen folded three times in such a way to form nine equal squares. The priest places the vessels used for consecration on it. In the Extraordinary Form of the Mass the priest would place the host directly on the corporal. This action explains the origin of the name, since “body” in Latin means “corpus.” While the host does not touch the corporal in the Ordinary Form of the Mass, it still helps preserve any consecrated particles that may break from the host and fall on the cloth. Hence it serves as a sign of respect to the Eucharist, the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. Its use harkens back to the great care and concern we treat the bodies of those who have died. In the funeral Mass we even use a cloth to cover the casket of the deceased. Of course, in the case of the Eucharist, our Lord lives. We do not consume the dead body of Christ, but the risen.
Finally, last Saturday evening after the 4:00pm Mass, we held a cookout for our school families, students, teachers, and staff. During the Mass I commissioned the teachers, faculty and staff for another school year asking them to do their best to educate and form our students. The parishioners also offered their prayers and support. Each member of the school staff received a book titled Sanctifying Truth, Thomas Aquinas on Christian Holiness by Fr. Romanus Cessario, O.P. Thank you to those who helped organize the successful event and to everyone who helps our school.
God bless,
Fr. Barrow
