Olympics Opening Ceremony

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.” 

 Matthew 26:26-28

The world waits four years between the Summer Olympics games; I am sure many of you were looking forward to not only the competition but also the often spectacular opening ceremonies. This year, sadly, that display was marred by some very unfortunate and distasteful choices in an effort, the organizers shared, to send a message of inclusivity. I do not feel I have to rehash the specifics, as anyone still not familiar can find it all over the internet. I prefer to use this opportunity to voice a few thoughts and to call the faithful of our Diocese to prayer.

The Eucharist is Not a Symbol

Some news reports and posts about mocking the Last Supper refer to the Eucharist as a symbol of our Catholic faith. This use of the word “symbol” is concerning. For Catholics, the Eucharist is not just a symbol; we believe it is truly Jesus — His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. The irony is that such a disrespectful act seems to come from a lack of understanding or acceptance of this belief. The USCCB’s three-year National Eucharistic Revival aims to address and correct misunderstandings about this core aspect of our faith.

The Associated Press reported, “The event’s artistic director Thomas Jolly distanced his vision from any “Last Supper” parallels, saying it was meant to celebrate diversity and global understanding as well as pay tribute to French gastronomy.” Freedom of expression should never come at the expense of anyone’s religious beliefs. DaVinci’s painting represents the pinnacle moment of the Last Supper that comes as Jesus institutes the Eucharist, selflessly offering His Body and His Blood for our redemption! Intention aside, recognizing the possibility of any “confusion” should have altered the planned tableau. 

Bishops of France

The US Bishops are not the only ones deeply disappointed with the Paris Olympic committee’s decision, The French bishops issued a statement on July 27, which read in part, 

“While the ceremony was a “marvelous display of beauty and joy, rich in emotion and universally acclaimed,” they said, it “unfortunately included scenes of mockery and derision of Christianity, which we deeply regret.” “We would like to thank the members of other religious denominations who have expressed their solidarity with us,” the French bishops wrote.

“We are thinking of all the Christians on every continent who have been hurt by the outrageousness and provocation of certain scenes. We want them to understand that the Olympic celebration goes far beyond the ideological biases of a few artists,” the bishops stressed.”  (Caroline De Sury — OSV News)

What Now?

Enough about what has happened. We cannot undo others’ decisions nor judge their hearts, for we know only God can judge the human heart. Our only remedy is a powerful one—prayer, especially before the Blessed Sacrament. Offer prayers for healing, greater respect and understanding, and for the grace of God upon all responsible and those so deeply hurt by this situation. 

We can offer prayer, fasting, and sacrifice for reparations against the Eucharistic Lord. Two powerful devotions include the First Friday and First Saturday devotions (*learn more here), which offer reparation toward the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Hearts of Mary. I think it is no coincidence those both occur this upcoming weekend. Whether you pray the Rosary, Divine Mercy chaplet, attend an extra Mass, or perform Corporal Works of Mercy for this intention, I encourage you to do so with a charitable heart. 

No resolution will come, and no change will occur if we don’t start with ourselves. As St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians, “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

United in Christ,
Bishop da Cunha