Lex Orandi

There’s a latin phrase you’ll sometimes hear in the Church: “Lex orandi, lex credendi.” This phrase roughly translates to “the way we pray is the way we believe.” According to the USCCB, the phrase goes back to a fifth century writer. But, no matter how old it is, it’s very much a timeless truth of our faith. 

Surely, one of the more challenging beliefs of the Catholic faith is the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This belief is what separates us from other Christians. Now, take a typical Mass-going Catholic. What would happen to their belief in the real presence if: 

Everyone wears flip flops and tank tops to Mass? 

Everyone stops genuflecting in front of the tabernacle? 

Everyone stops reverently bowing before receiving the Eucharist?

Everyone smiles, jokes, and waves as they’re chomping on the host walking back to their pew? 

Everyone talks during and after Mass in the sanctuary? 

I think it goes without saying that they would start to see the Eucharist as only bread and wine, and nothing more. The way we pray — especially the way we pray the Mass —affects the way we believe. 

Now, it’s also worth saying that this isn’t a mind-over-matter thing, because it’s true outside of the Church too. If you watch pornography, what will you think about women? How will you treat them? How will you see them? 

If we degrade women, what actions will follow? If we disrespect Christ in the Eucharist with our actions, won’t it follow that we’ll degrade Him in our minds and in our hearts too?