There are some surprise definitions in this week’s prayer, and if you thought communion would be defined as common union, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. This week we Lectio the Liturgy with the Prayer after Communion for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

May the communion in your Sacrament that we have consumed, save us, O Lord, and confirm us in the light of your truth. Through Christ our Lord.

Let’s start with the word, Sacrament. In the Latin form of the prayer, we find that the word is used in it’s plural form. Why didn’t they use the word Sacraments here? Because the word refers to all of the mysteries that are encompassed in the Eucharist, not all of the Sacraments.
Next, let’s look at the word communion. When it comes to the Mass, we often think of communion as Holy Communion, or common union, or union with God, however, in the Latin form of the prayer, we find the word communio, which means mutual participation, more like a community, or fellowship.
This prayer is about us. It isn’t about me. It is about celebrating the Sacrament of the Eucharist with the whole Church. While we are each called to make a commitment to living our life for Christ, we are in it together. We need each other to be the Church.
Next, the prayer asks that the communion, or our mutual participation, in this Sacrament we have consumed, save us. How? The Eucharist separates us from sin. That definitely saves us. However, when we receive the Eucharist, it does not become a part of us. This union with Christ consumes us. We become a part of something, or Someone greater. We become a part of Christ.
The prayer also asks that this communion confirm us in the light of God’s truth. Light, or lux, in the Latin form of the prayer usually refers to God, and the meaning of confirm means more than to make strong. It also means to establish, plant, or root. We ask to be rooted in God’s truth.
It’s so easy to imagine myself, one person taking root, standing on God’s truths. One person, out in the elements, trying to withstand the wind. One person offering praise to God.
Now imagine everyone in your church, everyone who shared in the communion of the Eucharist, standing together, not only weathering the storm, but rejoicing in God’s glory. This is a force to be reckoned with.
This prayer is a great reminder that we are in it together. We have consumed all of the mysteries of the Eucharist. We are confirmed in God’s divine truth. We are the Body of Christ. We are in it together.
Thanks for praying with me. To learn more, check out my website at www.LectioTheLiturgy.com
Julie