9. Christ's Presences

In CPR you can literally breathe life into a person. Christ breathes his life, his very PRESENCE into the inspired Word of God. At one time the Scriptures were even reserved in churches to reinforce this point. While not denying the EUCHARISTIC PRESENCE, that of the WORD compliments and leads to it. Initially, God is PRESENT to us, his members. Christ has promised that whenever two or more are gathered in his name, he is there. The priest, not only our presider but the celebrant at the liturgy, though knowing his many faults, has Christ living in him. The ordained man's very body, as an intimate sign of his identity, resonates in perfect harmony with the person of the God-Man. Christ is the only High Priest of the Christian dispensation. Those ordained share or participate in the priesthood by acting in the PERSON OF CHRIST at the altar. Accidental things like beards in the East and the vestments worn throughout Christendom are to enhance the priest's role as a living icon for the Lord. Through his functions with and on the behalf of the assembly, Christ is alive calling us together and explaining the Scriptures. When all have left the church building, the reserved host maintains Christ's ABIDING PRESENCE.