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The Liturgy of the Eucharist, Part 2 – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating
Deacon James Keating teaches us that the Mass is not the priest’s personal performance but the living action of Christ. Every sacramental act is Christ working through the priest, and the faithful are called to recognize this mystery rather than focus on personalities or efficiency. Silent participation during the Eucharistic Prayer allows worshipers to surrender their lives to Christ’s saving work, joining His sacrifice in love and trust.
The Eucharist is not a nostalgic memory but the continual presence of divine love. By entering into silence and recollection, the faithful receive the grace that enables true charity—loving others with Christ’s own power rather than mere friendliness—thus forming authentic Christian community.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
- How can I better recognize that the Mass is Christ’s action rather than the priest’s performance?
- Do I enter Mass with a heart ready to be silent and surrendered to the mystery of Christ’s presence?
- In what ways have I treated the liturgy as something to “get through” rather than a moment to linger with Christ?
- How does my participation in the Eucharist shape my willingness to love and forgive others?
- When I feel distant from God, can I trust that He loves me “more than ever” and seeks me out?
- How might I prepare interiorly before Mass so that I can receive the grace being offered more deeply?
- Do I allow Christ’s self-giving love in the Eucharist to transform my daily relationships and moral choices?
- What distractions or attitudes keep me from fully entering into the silence and mystery of the Eucharistic prayer?
- How does understanding the Eucharist as a living presence—not mere remembrance—change my devotion?
- In what concrete ways can I let the Eucharist empower me to will the good of those who have hurt me?
Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., is a professor of Spiritual Theology and serves as a spiritual director at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO.
