Several years ago, when I asked sculptor Ulrich Henn to give some thought to creating a
tabernacle inspired by the story of the burning bush from the Book of Exodus, he
immediately set to work, drawing on his profound knowledge of the Scriptures, his deep
understanding of the Catholic doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist,
and, of course, his amazing artistic gifts. What Mr. Henn has created for the cathedral
will, for generations to come, draw people into a prayerful encounter with the Divine much
as that mysterious burning bush drew Moses. Moses removed the sandals from his feet in
that meeting with God. Our new tabernacle, like the burning bush of old—all light, all
fire, burning intensely yet never consumed—prompts us to kneel in adoration.
Every time we pray before the Blessed Sacrament a privileged and holy encounter takes
place-an echo of the great encounter that takes place every time we gather around the
altar to celebrate the Eucharist. Christ the light calls out to us from the fire and we
meet him in that fire, hear his voice, feel his warmth, and know his love.
Like Moses, we hear the call to go forth from the Encounter—to be liberators: to do all
we can, in a self-absorbed, unjust, and broken world, to bring freedom and hope to the
poor, the needy, the oppressed. That is the call Moses received from out of the fire and
it is our call as a Church — a people fed and formed by the Eucharist.
May our encounter with the Eucharistic Christ-and our communion with one another in the
Eucharist—fire us with love and send us forth with enough fire to light the world!
Father Michael G. Ryan
Cathedral Pastor
THE PLACE WHERE YOU
STAND IS HOLY GROUND
EXODUS 3:5
THE PRESENTATION
OF THE LORD 2003
IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE
OF THE GENEROSITY OF
ROY SIMPERMAN · GENEVIEVE ALBERS
THE PASHA FAMILY
|
Back To In Your Midst
Page
