I would kneel and make the sign of the cross every time I went inside a church after that. I frequently pondered the purpose of the church's practice of preserving the Body of Christ and tried to understand its significance. From that moment on, when I entered a church, I would make the sign of the cross and kneel. I often wondered why the Body of Christ was kept in the church, and I sought to understand the significance of this practice.
In Catholic theology, the Body of Christ, referred to as the Blessed Sacrament or Eucharist, is reserved in the tabernacle as a central part of worship and devotion. The church is not just a place of worship but also the house of God, where God resides in the form of the Blessed Sacrament. The tabernacle should be placed in a fixed location and prominent position, visible for the faithful, and should be designed with dignity and reverence, reflecting its importance as a repository for the Eucharist.
What is its theological justification? First, it is about the real presence of Christ. The Eucharist is the real presence of Christ in the form of bread and wine consecrated during the celebration of the Eucharist, according to Catholic teaching. Christ is substantially present in this sacrament, not just symbolically. Second, the tabernacle serves as a safe and sacred place to store the consecrated Eucharist, acknowledging Christ's continuous real presence among us, the faithful.
Third, by keeping the Eucharist in the tabernacle, we are able to worship and adore Christ who is present in the sacrament while praying for grace, consolation, and strength. We worship the Body of Christ every day after Mass in our parish, Monday through Saturday. Fourth, we believe that our spiritual life comes from the Eucharist. We believe that by partaking in Holy Communion, we are able to receive Christ directly, strengthening our bond with Him.
The reservation of the Eucharist in the tabernacle enables the faithful to receive Communion outside of Mass, such as when visiting the sick or elderly who cannot attend church services. We call it a viaticum. It is a Latin term that means "provision for a journey." In the Catholic Church, viaticum refers to the Eucharist administered to a person who is nearing death or in danger of death. This sacrament is considered a spiritual preparation for the journey from life to eternity. Moreover, it brings peace and consolation to the person and their loved ones.
Saint Anne's Parish provides care for the aged and ill by bringing the Body of Christ to them on the first Friday of each month. The fact that some laypeople are involved in this ministry is wonderful.
Do we honor the Body of Christ in the tabernacle when we enter and stay in church? This awareness can deepen our faith and devotion to Christ, who is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. (*)