About the Eucharist¶
The sacrament of Eucharist is a genial rite for confirming communion with the church: receiving the consecrated host from the priest confirms that the church accepts you as a member. Taking it and swallowing it confirms that you want to be a member. It is like a weekly renewal of a membership contract. And it is a public profession because everybody can see it.
When the priest, after the consecration, exclaims “(This is) the mystery of faith!”, I perceive this it as follows: “That’s the key to our faith! And we don’t understand it! So don’t ask me to explain it.” And the answer of the assembly expresses our helplessness given these circumstances: “We announce your death, O Lord, and we proclaim your resurrection, until you come in glory.” That’s all we can do. Announce and proclaim, nothing more. No forcing, pushing or hindering anybody. No executive power over the world.
5. “Mysterium fidei! - The Mystery of Faith!”. When the priest recites or chants these words, all present acclaim: “We announce your death, O Lord, and we proclaim your resurrection, until you come in glory”.