In the midst of being socially isolated and with the absence of
public Masses being said in our Archdiocese, we can feel pretty
separated not only from each other, but from the Eucharist as well.
This might just be the time to learn a little more about the
Eucharist and Mass.
Today I review Presence a study series on FORMED.org. Maybe
learning about the Eucharist while being absent from it will be
difficult. My hope is that learning about Jesus and Eucharist will
bring us closer when we feel far from it.
Title
Presence
https://watch.formed.org/presence/season:1
Presenter
An ensemble of theologian, catechists, and missionaries Chris
Stefanick, Dr. Ed Sri, Deb Holiday, Dr. Time Gray, Jim Beckman, Luis
Soto, Dr. Sean Innerst, Dr. Mark Giszczak, Dr. Scott Powell among
others.
Length
Three Sessions, each last 35-40 minutes. Plus four bonus videos
about the Eucharist including one design for Children to get an up
close view of altar during Mass.
Style of Content
A mix of narrated images, talking-head teaching and explanations
of scriptures, works of art, reenactments of historical moments,
scriptural scenes, and saint stories.
TBH - One of the best produced and most professional looking
things on FORMED. Honestly, the study is fast paced and full of rich
and engaging images and content.
Content
Starting with examples of heroic devotion and the power of the
Eucharist from the lives of Saints, the Presence study goes on to
explain what the Eucharist is, why we believe what we believe, and
why it should matter to us. There is a strong connection made
between God’s plan for our salvation, Jesus Christ, Holy Scripture
and the Church’s practice of the Mass.
BONUS
Digital Study guide available for download!
Scripture
Exodus 3, Acts 2:42, Psalms, John 6, Last Supper accounts,
Multiplication of Loaves, and many books of the New and Old
Testament are discussed and explained in light of the Eucharist.
Why you should watch this video
You should watch this video if you want your faith in and
understanding of the Eucharist to deepen and grow. If you want to
make your participation at Mass more meaningful, you should watch
this study series. If you want to grow in your desire for God,
understand better His plan for your Salvation, or Mass to be a
powerful moment of faith no matter the distractions, this video is
for you.
Why skip it
If you are looking for an intellectually heavy scripture study or
lighthearted romanic comedy with the unlikely coupling of a
bumbling hero and uptight heroine, then maybe skip this video
series.
The Ratings
I am rating each resource in terms of how informative,
transformative, and engaging I find that resource. Information refers
to how much information and how well the video presents that
faith knowledge. Transformative refers to how well the resource
invites participants to conform their life to follow Jesus Christ.
Engaging (-ative) refers to how entertaining, gripping, or interesting
I find the resource.