Nothing

A parishioner recently asked me, "what's it like doing the consecration of the Body and Blood during Mass?" I usually have a quick answer for most questions, but this one genuinely stumped me. It was not because I could not describe it, but because there is nothing I can think of that is "like" it. It does not compare with anything that I am aware of that I have experienced.

I do not recall which Saint it was, but one of them said something similar to: "doing the consecration is wonderfullly terrifying". Whoever it was, it is very accurate. It does not say what it is "like" but it does give a description that helps to explain why it is so hard to describe it. The sense of "wonder" mixed with "terror" defies any kind of normal description.

To make a comparison, what would St. John the Apostle say if you asked him "what was it like at the feet of the cross when Jesus said 'it is finished'?" Could he give an answer? Could he even make a simple comparison? I doubt it. It is not a tangent (though it may seem like it) but, I remember after I was first ordained thinking to myself "I kinda always knew I would do this". Thus, when I say the Mass, it seems to be a natural consequence of everything that has brought me to this place in life. Hence, I rarely think about what it is "like", I just know that the answer is, "nothing".

So, then, what is it like to perform the consecration of the Blessed Sacrament? It is sacred, mysterious, sublime, awe-inspiring, and completely unlike any other experience. After the Church's numerous explanations of the last 2000 years regarding the Eucharist, it should not be surprising that I describe it like this. We are dealing with eternal realities, divine grace, and miracles: few words can even approach what is happening.