Ruptura, Reptition and Recovery: The Eucharist and Trauma

• Autores: Karen O´Donnell
• Localización: Ruptured Voices: Trauma and Recovery / coord. por Karen O´Donnell, 2019, ISBN 978-1-84888-372-7, págs. 85-93
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • This chapter seeks to explore the contention that understanding the Eucharist in the context of the trauma of the Annunciation-Incarnation event is not only in line with ancient Christian traditions, but is also a fruitful avenue for exploring contemporary issues within Christianity, specifically the issue of ordination of women. Beginning with an exploration of the psychoanalytical understanding of the features of a traumatic event as the rupture of bodily integrity, time, and cognition, this chapter suggests that it is possible to see Mary experiencing all three of these ruptures. Thus, it is legitimate to consider this event through the lens of trauma theory. In doing so, it becomes possible to view the Eucharist as a nonidentical repetition of the Annunciation-Incarnation event. In examining the modes of trauma recovery, this chapter seeks to demonstrate that Mary must be considered to be both the archetypal and prototypical Christian. In the story of her journey to her cousin Elizabeth’s house and the words of her Magnificat, the stages of trauma recovery can clearly be seen – the re-establishment of bodily integrity, the construction of a trauma narrative, and making the trauma a gift to the wider community. It is the contention of this chapter that this model of trauma recovery is repeated in the liturgy of the Mass as Christians seek to follow Mary’s example in their re-experience of the Annunciation-Incarnation event in their reception of the Eucharist. Finally, this chapter explores the effects of this understanding of the Eucharist and suggests that in placing Mary and her experience at the heart of the Eucharist, questions are raised about both the role and gender of priests. Furthermore, it posits a multi-valent understanding of the Eucharist as essential and suggests that it is the Annunciation-Incarnation event which is the high point of theological discourse.