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One
day I was on retreat with a priest and noticed during Mass that he was
using an ancient, very worn-out looking chalice. I couldn’t help from
noticing just how awful the condition of the chalice was, and just how
ugly it looked.
Being
a devout Catholic with some aesthetic sensibilities, I felt very sorry
that Jesus had to be offered up in such an unworthy vessel (cf. St. John
Vianney, St. Padre Pio, and the profound reverence of other saintly
priests; reading just a few paragraphs of their life will quickly
increase your devotion at Mass).
Just
a few days later the two of us were having Mass again together and I
was amazed to see the very same chalice – but completely re-gilded in
gold and sparkling with radiant light! It was like night and day: a
total transformation.
But
the priest was just as amazed as I was. We soon realized that neither
of us had re-gilded or polished it, and we had no idea who did it since
we were the only ones staying there that whole week… A small miracle!
Throughout
this whole mysterious set of events, it struck me very strongly that
the chalice, in addition to symbolizing Christ’s Passion suffered for
love of us, also represents us.
In
a mere instant, God can restore us fully to grace through Confession
and Communion received worthily with faith, humility and love. Our
Baptismal Innocence can be completely recovered. Every day is a new day;
every moment is a new moment. Let us begin again.
+ Br. Philip Maria Allen, CFR
St. Felix Friary, Yonkers, NY
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