The Work of Human Hands - JANUARY 29, 2006

One of the important parts of the liturgy is the Offertory. In this part of the mass we offer to God our gifts, “the work of human hands”. These gifts include bread, wine and our material offerings. God takes these gifts and through the power of His Holy Spirit transforms them into the Body and Blood of Christ. This is a powerful reminder that any time we give of ourselves we receive so much more in return. Recently at St. Luke’s we have tried to re-enact this powerful dynamic by using the hosts that have been consecrated at that particular mass. The hosts present in the tabernacle are reserved for those in our community who are sick and homebound. The tabernacle is called the altar of reservation. It can be difficult to know exactly how many hosts to consecrate at every mass. So it will take some time for us to perfect this practice.

Also this weekend we dedicate our new pulpit and baptismal font in memory of Father Jenkinson. This will complete the church’s renovation from a few years back. A big thank you to Thomas and Roberta Coyne whose donation made the font possible. May the baptism font remind us that we are all God’s children.

Fr. Bob Hawkins JANUARY 29, 2006