It’s time for the Consecration
at Latin Mass.
The bell has rung,
and the organ has stopped playing.
The priest stands at the altar,
bowed low
as he prays over the host.
The servers and the congregation
all kneel.

Silence all around
as everyone waits.

The bell rings again
and the priest raises his hands
as he holds the body of Christ
on high
for all to see.

I glance up at the body of Christ
before bowing my head
in the very real presence of Jesus,
my God.

In my mind
I say a silent prayer
of welcome
before explaining to Jesus,
“I believe, Lord,
but I don’t understand.”

I’m acutely aware
that I don’t need to understand –
I simply need
to believe.

And I do, indeed, believe
that a miracle takes place
on the altar
during every single Mass
as Jesus becomes truly present
before us.

Whether I’m in a beautiful church
or in a basement
I say a silent prayer of welcome
as I explain to Jesus
that I believe,
even though I don’t understand.

© Claire Murray