I frequently go to Mass at different parishes, and three different priests at these parishes each do the elevation of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament after the consecration different ways (you know when the priest says “Take this all of you and eat it; this is my body, which will be given up for you”, and then raises the Blessed Sacrament above his head).
Priest 1: Doesn’t elevate the Blessed Sacrament at all, but after saying the words puts it down immediately.
Priest 2: Elevates Jesus for a brief time, probably a second or two.
Priest 3: Holds Jesus up for 20 or 30 seconds!
Because I have a strong belief in Jesus’ Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament, I love Priest 3′s reverence and extended elevation of Jesus, which gives me a mini-adoration time and helps me appreciate the fact that I am about to receive my Savior into my unworthy body and soul.
Priest 2′s elevation is not as reverent, and I am guessing is the minimal amount of time “required” by the liturgical laws (I tried to look this up and failed).
Priest 3 doesn’t elevate Jesus at all, and I am puzzled as to why. I wish he would and feel like perhaps he is doing something wrong by not elevating him.
Anybody know about what the laws are on this?
You would want to look in the rubrics of the liturgy. Not sure where to find them exactly, but here’s what you’re looking for:
http://www.ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage.asp?Pgnu=4&Pg=Forum9&recnu=99&number=419689
BTW, where can I find priest #3…?
Thanks Adam! Interesting that it only says “he shows the host to the people”. It doesn’t
indicate that the priest has to hold it up for any length of time, so maybe that is just my
own idea.
Now Adam, I can’t name names on this blog, since some people we know read it, but Priest #3 is
close to home! I am suprised that you do not immediately think of who it is, though perhaps you
don’t often go to Spanish Masses (hint hint hint!).