separation

The 1962 Mass keeps me separated from the priest. He offers the sacrifice whether I am there or not. Our Lord desperately wants me there, but that is my choice, subject to a promise I made. The separation is suspended when I receive, but only temporarily, until I get to Heaven and the separation that was caused here on earth ends and union is completed. The priest enjoys a union I cannot.

Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp,
Or what's a heaven for? …

“Andrea del Sarto”
Robert Browning
1812-1889