Jul 23 Thu
In the Mass, what is the Prayer after Communion?
After Communion, the priest returns to the altar. He either completely consumes any consecrated hosts that remain or carries them to the tabernacle. He then collects any remaining particles, and standing at the side of the altar or at a side table, he purifies the paten or ciborium over the chalice, and then the chalice itself, drying it with a purificator.
The vessels are then taken to a side table by a server. It is also permitted to leave them, properly covered and on a corporal, either at the altar or at a side table, and to purify them after the Mass.
Afterward, if circumstances allow, the priest and the people may spend some time in silent prayer. If desired, the entire congregation may sing a hymn, psalm, or some other song of praise.
At this moment, we can tell our Lord how much we love him. At other times, however, we will feel as if God is hiding from us. In such moments, we will have to advance like blind men feeling their way, like little children learning to walk. Sometimes, it will be our own fault, even though our mistakes may seem to us to be nothing at all. Our pride then leads us to justify what has no justification.
Then, standing at the altar or at the chair and facing the people, the priest, with hands outstretched, says, “Let us pray.” There may be a brief period of silence, unless this has already been observed immediately after Communion. The priest recites the Prayer after Communion, at the end of which the people respond, “Amen.”
In the Prayers after Communion, we find the characteristic features of the Roman Collects: a restrained style and an unobtrusive and quietly lyrical quality. From them, a theology of the effects of the Eucharist can be compiled: graces for the soul, an increase in the theological virtues, and in the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit; a remedy for the body; the unity of the Mystical Body; and eternal life. The expressions used (“bread of life,” “life-giving food,” “spiritual food,” etc.) formally state the doctrine of the real presence of our Lord in the Eucharist.
We have been nourished with the “bread of life,” the food that is the source of our fortitude. This virtue of fortitude enables us to sustain the daily combat against our passions and weaknesses.
According to the teachings of St. Thomas, the virtue of fortitude is found in one:
- who is ready to face danger;
- who is ready to put up with adversities for a just cause, for truth, or justice.
The Gospel often repeats: “Fear not.” It teaches man that, for a just cause, for truth, for justice, one must be able to “lay down one’s life.”
We can profit a lot from these Prayers by using them as inspiration for personal reflection during the course of the day.
When it seems fitting, some brief concluding words can be addressed after the Prayer after Communion.