The Procession with the Gifts of Bread and Wine
Another similarity between the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Word is
that both begin with a procession. The deacon processes around the
altar elevating the veiled chalice above his head. Like the procession
with the Gospel in the Liturgy of the Word, this procession draws our attention
and devotion to the bread and wine, which become for us the Body and Blood
of Jesus. While the deacon processes around the altar the priest prays
once again that God will make him worthy to preside over this sacrament:
"…Cleanse my soul and my mind from all the defilements of the
evil one; and by the power of your Holy Spirit enable me … to stand
before this holy table and to consecrate your spotless body and your precious
blood" [24].
At the end of the procession, the deacon hands the gifts to the celebrant
as they alternate verses from Psalm 24. Yet again, the words of the
Psalm express our faith that the contents of the chalice will become for
us the Lord, "strong in his power … mighty in battle."
As the deacon hands the chalice to the priest he says: "This is the
king of glory!" [Sa eenkn eh takavor parats] [25].
The Procession with the Gifts concludes with a proclamation by the deacon,
leading into a prayer by the priest. On behalf of all those present
he asks God to "grant this bread and this cup to be for us, who taste
of them, a remedy of forgiveness of our sins" [26].
>> The Kiss of Peace
