One of the definitions of the Most Holy Eucharist is “The Pledge of Future Glory” (Sacrosanctum Concilium 47). It’s a reminder that when we go to Mass heaven and earth become one. It’s a reminder this is what heaven will be like. Heaven is all God’s holy angels and saints praising Him in unison and unity in the heavenly liturgy. 

 

It calls to mind the pilgrim nature of the Church. We Christians live in this world but should not be of the world. We’re not built for now. We’re made for later. 

 

Oftentimes we can get discouraged or doubtful. We can think sometimes our families, our country, our parish, whatever it might be, just seems to be getting worse and worse. The world is so opposed to the Gospel. We remember: they crucified the Master; we’re not going to get much better treatment. Just as Jesus had a heavenly and not a worldly mission, so too, we are called to be focused on our Father’s house and not so much on the here and now. 

 

Obviously, this doesn’t mean we should be apathetic or indifferent. It’s also our task as Christians to make the world a beautiful place and work tirelessly to establish Jesus’ kingdom of justice, love, and peace. 

 

St. Paul uses the Greek word “Paroikos” in the second chapter of Ephesians. “Para” means “next to” and “oikos” means house. The beginning Greek student can take that to mean members of the household of God. But if we examine it a tad more, next to the house means not in the house. St. Paul is telling us that the believer doesn’t belong here. 

 

We’re pilgrims on a journey: a journey we take together as a Church, united in our belief that Jesus is truly 100% present body, blood, soul, and divinity under sacramental signs. It’s a reminder that this is what heaven will be like. It’s a reminder that every time we go to holy Mass or adore Jesus in the tabernacle or the monstrance, we receive our pledge of future glory. Adoro Te Devote!