Epiclesis

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

The Calling Down of the Holy Spirit

http://www.radiantlight.org.uk/art_gallery/details/?show_image_id=43&full_frame=1

Elizabeth Wang does a good job evoking the power
and majesty of the Supreme overshadowing.

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If it seems to the reader that I am fixated
on this liturgical moment, you're right.
Three words are central to this eternal mystery:

Illumine, Consume, Transform

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I find it interesting that the average Catholic
spends very little time and effort seeking light
relative to this mysterious eternal moment.

We must humbly approach this mystery,
and yet we would do well to commemorate it well.

Below are the four approved English language translations
of the critically important Divine Action.

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What follows is an actual miraculous elevation of the host
at the epiclesis in Lourdes, France:

Looks authentic to me.
Praise God!!!

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Next we see one version of the Eastern Rite epiclesis,
The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

http://esoptron.umd.edu/ugc/liturgy3.html

THE EPICLESIS
(INVOCATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT)

Priest (silently): Again we offer to You this spiritual and unbloody sacrifice, and we implore and pray, and entreat You, send down Your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts here present.

(Blessing the bread) And make this bread the precious body of Your Christ. (Blessing the chalice) And that which is in this chalice, the precious blood of your Christ. (Blessing both) Having changed them by Your Holy Spirit:

Priest (silently): So that to those who partake of them, they may be for the purification of the soul, for the remission of sins, for the communion in Your Holy Spirit, for the fullness of the heavenly kingdom, for confidence in You, not for judgment or condemnation.

Priest (silently): Moreover, we offer to You this spiritual sacrifice for those who departed in the faith; the forefathers, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics and for every righteous spirit who has died in the faith.

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Click this icon for a very illuminating talk
on the epiclesis from the Eastern Orthodox perspective

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Below you'll find a detailed treatment on this very pivotal
element of Christian liturgical tradition.

http://www.ltp.org/p-1895-the-eucharistic-epiclesis-a-detailed-history-from-the-patristic-to-the-modern-era.aspx

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Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael