We Need to Change: A Call to Reverence

Last Friday, our parish had the joy of welcoming Rev Fr Lionel Thomas from St Peter’s Church, Melaka, who led us in Eucharistic Adoration and celebrated Holy Mass with us.

It was a grace-filled evening, centred on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

God was there.
Not in a poetic sense. Not in a symbolic way.

Jesus—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—was on the altar before our eyes.

But this divine presence was not only for that one evening. At every moment, in every church and chapel across the world, God remains truly present in the Tabernacle, waiting for us. Whether in a grand basilica in Rome or our humble church in Butterworth, the same Lord dwells there—silent, patient, loving, and always present.

And yet, how often do we pass Him by?

Remembering Who We Stand Before

As Fr Lionel reminded us, too often we show irreverence toward our Lord—the King of the Universe, who humbles Himself to come to us under the appearance of bread.

Too many of us forget who is before us.
We rush in without thinking.
We chat like we’re at a café.
We scroll on our phones like God can wait.
We turn our backs to the Tabernacle as though the King were not there.

Friends, we need to change.

St Maximilian Kolbe once said, “Be a Catholic: when you kneel before an altar, do it in such a way that others may be able to recognize that you know before whom you kneel.”

This is not about guilt—it is about love.
Love deserves reverence.
Reverence awakens faith.
Faith transforms hearts.

What Reverence Looks Like

Fr Lionel spoke passionately about returning to a spirit of holy awareness and loving reverence before the Lord. Here are some key points he shared, which invite us all to reflect and, where needed, to correct ourselves:

1. Jesus is truly present.
   The consecrated Host is not a symbol or mere representation—it is Jesus Himself, fully present: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
   
2. Reverence before the Tabernacle.
   Enter the church with intention. Make the Sign of the Cross reverently. Genuflect before the Tabernacle—before the Lord who dwells within.
   
3. Show respect in His presence.
   Turning our backs on the Tabernacle, idle chatter, phones, or casual behaviour have no place before the Eucharistic Lord. Dress modestly and conduct yourself as before the One you love most.
   
4. Mass is Heaven on earth.
   Every Eucharistic celebration unites us with the angels and saints. We do not worship alone—the entire heavenly court joins us in adoration.
   
5. Receive the Eucharist with care and devotion.
   When receiving on the hand, form your palms like a throne for the King. After consuming, check for any remaining particles and consume them reverently—so that no part of Jesus is neglected or desecrated.

Serving and Worshipping with Humility

Many of us serve in different roles at Mass—Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMOHC), altar servers, lectors, cantors, choir members, hospitality ministers, or LCD projectionists.

Those who serve on the altar—the EMOHCs and altar servers—share a sacred privilege. But do we truly grasp the magnitude of what we touch and witness? Do we handle the Body of Christ with awe, purity, and humility, remembering that we are sinful and unworthy servants?

And for those who serve through word, song, or welcome—do we serve to glorify God, or to be seen and admired? The liturgy is not a performance. The spotlight must always remain on Christ, not on us.

And to all of us in the pews: do we come to Mass out of love or obligation, choosing parishes and priests according to what suits us? Where is our priority—is it in worshipping God, or in convenience for ourselves?

The Eucharist is not about personal comfort—it is about worship.
It is about giving God what He deserves, not what suits us best.

A Call to Reverence

Let us take these reminders to heart. Let us humbly examine ourselves and make the necessary changes—to approach the Lord with love, awe, and reverence.

May every gesture, word, and act proclaim: “May the Lord be praised, blessed, loved, adored, and glorified—now and forever.” (KA)