ON VACATION

Greetings all,

I have left on vacation and will not be posting (I think - stranger things have happened) until the 21st of July.

God bless,

Fr. V

MONDAY DIARY - OLD NEWS

Before I leave on vacation I thought I would jot down some things that happened this past week. Fr. Pfeiffer and I had a house guest this past weekend who is a younger priest. We all celebrated Mass together on Monday morning and after they were kind enough to go on a walk with me and Sebastian on his morning airing. I was mulling things over as we were walking down Mull Avenue when I said, “I wonder when is the last time West Akron saw three young priests out for a walk in all their clerical glory.”

Fr. Pfeiffer responded, “*Ahem*, Father, that would be two young priests and one middle aged priest.”

Fortunately I like Fr. Pfeiffer and had Sebastian bite him only once.

A parishioner remarked that he saw us out on our walk and thought we looked like a new and strange gang out showing our colors.

I guess in a way we were.

I suppose there is the lesson of clerical attire. Who would have known the presence of the Church’s ministers in their neighborhood had we not been thusly attired? It is like watching a movie and seeing a pan of a crowd and spotting a priest in his color or a nun in her habit and being reminded just for a moment, “Ah, there is the Church. Remember faith. We are there.”

If even gangs get it I guess the Church was always been on to something.

On July 4th Fr. Pfeiffer had the morning Mass. I was coming over for confessions at the end of Mass and realized that there was no music. No music on July 4th? That cannot stand! So I climbed up into the choir loft and got out some of my music and powered up the mighty pipe organ. They were just getting ready for communion and so as quickly as I could I picked out a song, hit a preset button and placed my fingers on the keyboard to play.

Oh! But the preset had been changed and I did not think to check it! The people, quietly and reverently began to move toward the communion line, thoughts lifted up in silent adoration. Light streamed in through the colored glass giving a mellow glow to the morning and Father’s robes flowed gently as he glided down the steps with our Lord in his hands to distribute His Body to the faithful who came to begin their celebrations by offering their thanks to God. The very picture of serenity.

Then I pressed my fingers down on the organ keys and produced such a fog horn blast that birds for miles around took to their wings sure that a giant bird of prey was coming down upon them. For one moment, in unison, the whole congregation popped up as if some giant foot had kicked the church floor. Children cried and those with pace makers grasped at their chests.

No, it was not the parousia, it was just me.

(It was not quite that bad but awfully darn close.)

You know, being priest is awesome. My friends and I sit around a wonder why more guys don’t want to do this. It is such a privilege, joy, honor, as well as being a life of such meaning that I can’t help but tell young men (and not so young men) to at least entertain the question as to whether God is calling them.

In this Year of Priests, please pray for the young men thinking of the priesthood.

FRIDAY FAIR - THE NAKED TRUTH - or - I'VE GOT YOU COVERED

Have you ever had the dream where you are naked in a room full of people? I do once in a blue moon but fortunately always seem to have boxers on so the dream is not completely humiliating. And no one seems to notice so I just wait for the casual opportunity to slip out and put some pants on. People can be awfully polite.

Of course, the human body is nothing of which we need to be ashamed unless you are showing up for Mass with more skin than clothing showing. Hence Christopher West’ assertion that although there is nothing intrinsically wrong with nudity, fig leafs are an absolute necessity in a fallen world.

Symbolically nudity can have a good or bad connotation. According to George Furgeson’s book mentioned here on numerous occasions, during the Renaissance there were four distinct symbolic types of nudity.

Nuditas naturalis: “Naked I was brought into the world, naked I shall return. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!” Here is freedom. It is our natural state free from the stain of the desire for unbridled sexual license when we can be “naked without shame” and see the other as a person even though they be naked. This is the toddler that you can’t keep clothes on as they run through the neighborhood.

Nuditas temporalis: Here is one who has lost his shirt. In this case it is somewhat negative particularly if it is a fall after placing too much emphasis on worldly goods. They are now bereft. On the other hand there is the guy that will give you the shirt off his back. They have given all for God like St. Francis in the town square dropping off all his finery bought for him by his father so that nobody would have a claim on him but God alone. As noble as that might be, today you would be arrested so I do not recommend it.

Nuditas virtualis: No, this is not virtual nudity. This is the nudity of virtue. It is purity and innocence. Though in the world we are detached from it, not overcome by temptation or the evil of the world. It is the virtuous life.

Nuditas criminalis: Here is lust and vanity. Here is Bacchus. Here is overindulgence, self absorption, and the loss of all virtue. Here are also the images that are to be avoided on your computer screen.

The courts of the United States have tried in vain to find the exact dividing line between art and porn. “You know it when you see it,” does not work well for law. Symbolically it is a bit easier to discern that nudity which is to be good and that which is to show something evil. A nude who still had dignity and modesty in stance, whose gaze may be heavenward, whose expression is that of virtue, whose purpose is to illicit ideas of truth, beauty, and good is not something about which we should be ashamed to look upon if we can do so without our minds distorting the artist’s intent.

A nude with much jewelry, is in luxurious or licentious surroundings, has a direct and daring gaze or stance or expresses shame or horror is nudity used either to show the depths of man’s fall or evil intent. Here is not the joy of beauty and truth but the crassness of base desires.

MASS CONFUSION PART 10

We continue on with two more prayers to the Father. The first by the celebrant asking the Father to keep us always in His grace until we should joyfully greet His Son and the second by all that is a bit of an declaration of allegiance, “For the Kingdom, the power and glory are Yours . . .”

Then, interestingly enough, we have a prayer in which we directly address Jesus. Savvy is the celebrant who can by inflection or some other means makes this change in prayer perceptible to those in attendance. We turn to Him and plead for the peace here on earth which He promised to His disciples. Having done that the celebrant addresses all assembled, “The peace of the Lord be with you.”

“And also with you.”

“Let us offer each other the sign of peace.”

Now comes a problem that I doubt will ever be adequately solved. We have the sign of peace in this particular spot just before we approach the altar similar to the Gospel mandate that asks us to make peace with our brothers and sisters before approaching the altar. It makes sense. But it is a symbolic gesture. We are to turn to the person immediately next to us to offer the sign of peace. To make the sign of peace to one (or two) is to symbolically to make the sign of peace to all since as gathered we are the Body of Christ. If you try to grab everyone’s hand within spitting distance and give waves, winks, and finger gunshots to those beyond your grasp it ceases to be a symbolic gesture and becomes an actual gesture. Then you have the odd problem of those out of your range. What of Mrs. Gunnysack sitting in the front pew or the odd, hairy, slightly smelly guy who sits back in the corner? If it is not a symbolic gesture why not form two lines like at the end of the baseball game and have each person walk pass every other person and shake hands?

Someone once asked the former liturgist of our diocese, “So does that mean that I am to choose between which of my family I am going to offer the sign of peace to?” To which he responded, “in the Body of Christ we are one. There is not wife or husband, daughter, son, etc. We are all brothers and sisters.” That is probably the ideal. I can’t imagine ignoring someone that wanted to shake my hand because we want to liturgically perfect, but that does mean that we should cut down on the ridiculousness of the long distance, “Hey – and peace to you over there!”

“Right back at you dude.”

MASS CONFUSION PART 9

This is an exciting time. Jesus is present on our altar. The curtain of time has been opened and we are united in the original sacrifice. Now with our Savior the moment of absolute joy is almost here.

In this state we begin by recalling the mystical events in which we find ourselves. In the RC we start again addressing our Father, “ . . . we celebrate the memory of Christ, Your Son,” Who is now present on our altar, “we, Your people and Your ministers recall His passion, His resurrection from the dead, and His ascension into glory.” We then tell Him that we are about to offer Him the only gift worthy of Him: Jesus. In the Third Eucharistic Prayer we state, “Look with favor on Your Church’s offering and see the Victim Whose death reconciles us to Yourself.” Since most people listen instead of reading along in a book (which is right and good) they miss the capitalization of “Victim.” Jesus is THE one true Victim for our sins as He is the only truly Innocent One. As such we beg the Father to accept this sacrifice – His Son on our behalf for the forgiveness of our sins.

In the first half of the RC we were concerned with people and things of this world. Now that we are actively dabbling in things of the next we begin expanding outward to encompass the true circle of the Church. So as in the first part we recalled “all Your people especially those for whom we know pray,” in the second part we beg, “Remember Lord those who have died . . .especially those for whom we now pray.” What a blessing (to some soul) to call someone to mind – even if it is just the poor souls – during this time instead of thinking about a tee-time or grocery list!

We pray for our future with the saints after our time in this life is over. “May we share in the fellowship of the apostles and martyrs with John the Baptist, Stephen, Mathias . . .”

Finally, before the grand moment of the Mass we once make our ultimate request: That through this sacrifice, trusting in his mercy and love, we will enjoy the fruits of salvation.

Now, there are certainly a number of high points – very significant – even earth shaking events in the Mass. But here comes the most incredible moment of all. Jesus’ mission on earth was to be the perfect mediator between heaven and earth. He was to bring man back into relationship with his Father. We were estranged and now are family is healed! This is all because of the sacrifice of our God, a Trinity of Persons Who we, in the power of the Holy Spirit, can call Father through the One we are granted to name as Brother.

So, we see Jesus lifted up for all to see just as He was 2000 years ago except we see the glory of the lifting up where the original witnesses only saw scandal and disgrace. We can be the voice in the background at Golgotha that cries out, “Through Him! (Jesus!) With Him (Did you catch that? WITH HIM!) In Him! In the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours! Almighty Father! For ever and ever!” And we should burst forth, unable to contain ourselves with a three fold, “Amen! Amen! Amen!” But we are used to it! Mere mortals have become accustomed to visiting with God! That is both our shame and our glory. But think of it – now that Jesus has been lifted up in the Holy Spirit and we are once again united as closely as we can be here on earth with God (assuming we went to confession if need be) what are the first words out of our mouths? What did Jesus teach us to say? How do we address the Lord, God, Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth and all that they contain now that we have been brought this close together?

“Our Father, Who art in heaven . . .”

TUESDAY QUOTE OF THE WEEK CXXI

FINDING TRUTH WHEREVER IT MAY BE FOUND: “However much you may cultivate your heart, clear the soul of your nature, root out vices, sow virtues, if you do not release the spring of mercy, your fasting will not bear fruit.” St Chrysogonus

QUOTE II: “Perhaps God doesn’t need cathedrals – but we do.” Michael Farrell

IN OTHER NEWS:


L.H. sent this link in concerning the true identity of Saint Paul from CNN.

Ohio Catholics take note! The Diocese of Cleveland Enewsletter reports, "Governor Strickland has proposed cutting $59 million over the biennium in aid to students attending chartered nonpublic schools. Proposed are cuts in direct reimbursement to our schools (Administrative Cost Reimbursement) and resources and services such as guidance counselors, remedial assistance, and textbooks (Auxiliary Services)." Here's how to take action.

From the same source: "WASHINGTON (CNS) - Charles Zech and Robert Miller have some advice for parishes going through what some have characterized as the greatest period of change in the history of the American Catholic Church brought on by the recent closing and merging of hundreds of parishes across the country." Read more here.

D. H. sent this in. I don't do a lot of advertsing but these Ts look pretty cool.

P. sent this in just as a point of interest. - I thought M.W. would enjoy it, "A news report on "The World Over, Live" (EWTN) stated that the high altar at Westminister Cathedral "has been returned to permanent use." The "temporary altar" installed in the sanctuary since 1982 has been removed, with the approval of the new Archbishop, Vincent Nichols. The decision was made because of positive comments made when the altar was used during the Archbishop's recent installation."

My music director sent this in. Wow! And we are afraid to have kids sing anything past Kumbaya.

MONDAY DIARY - EXCELLENT SEE

Having had jobs outside of Church I know what it is to be called into the boss’s office. You may be going in to talk over a project, defend your actions, or (on too rare occasions) talk about how well you are doing. In any event, unless related to the boss at best your are good friends but more than likely you have a good business relationship.

This past week our bishop requested a meeting with me “downtown” at his office. This was my first such meeting in my capacity as an administrator of a parish. Fortunately I had a heads up concerning the matter and knew it was going to be a constructive meeting. But it also started me reflecting on my relationship with my bishop as a priest of Jesus Christ in the diocese that Pope Benedict entrusted him to pastor. We are bound together in a very unique way. We are brothers (he the definite elder!) Suppose for a moment we were at odds over some important topic. What could be the ultimate pressure point? Would I threaten to quit as one might a job? Of course not. It is not like I could go to the next parish over and apply for a pastorate there. Would he threaten to fire me? It is not as easy as it might sound. So it is in both of our best interest to work things out – shall I say – in a Christian manor. Of course I DID swear obedience to him and his successors so there is that edge in the argument . . . which quite frankly makes my job whole lot easier.

So the working relationship is a bit of a covenant. We are bound together by promises and oaths taken publically and lived out daily. So when I go to see him I get dressed up in my finest and pray for him in a special way on my way to his office. The meeting is a prayerful one and concludes with my asking for his blessing.

It may not be a way to run a car company (or maybe it is!?) but it is the way to run the Church and I am thankful to be part of that.

FRIDAY FAIR - CROSS MY HEART

So . . .

You are on a plane and a man in clerical attire sits next to you and you are wondering if this guy is priest or a bishop. You might look at his ring finger to see if he is wearing a signet ring (reported here some time ago) but too often priests take it upon themselves to wear rings also.

The best bet is to see if you see if you can spy a chain crossing his chest beneath his suit coat. That is the chain to his pectoral cross worn by abbots, bishops, cardinals, and popes. It is a cross worn about the neck but it differs from what most people wear in a number of ways. First it is worn low on the body, below the heart, it is larger than what most people would wear, and is usually of precious material and often bejeweled but should not be ostentatious.

It is not a symbol of authority (as is, for example, the crosier) but that of the office of bishop. As such it is to be worn showing at all times (hence you can pick a bishop out in a crowd. This is particularly true in places where everyone is in cassock and there are monsignors about as they wear the same kind of cassock.) The exceptions to this is when he is wearing his black suit (and you see just the chain, the cross being in his breast pocket) and when he is wearing a chasuble.

With a suit it is usually attached with a gold chain. With liturgical attire it is attached with a green rope (the original color of the episcopacy – you can see this in the color of the hat in their coat of arms) intertwined with gold.

MASS CONFUSSION PART 8

Before we continue just a quick clarification to a good point that Samantha pointed out yesterday. She stated, “while it is true that the validity or essence of the sacrifice of the Mass is not impacted by which priest is presiding or his level of holiness, it does matter in terms of the guidance and potentially additional graces available to the lay faithful in attendance. Example, Holy priests who preside with genuine reverence aid the faithful by example in also participating with true reverence.” This is true and thank you for pointing that out. But the attempted point was that when you do not have a choice in the matter of the celebrant and the a particular priest does not work for you or you think him not holy enough, take comfort in that the Jesus you hear proclaimed and the Jesus you receive in the sacrament is just as valid. There is some comfort in that.

Turning the page in the Sacramentary in the RC we sum up, “Accept this sacrifice from your whole family,” and then inform Him (and us) what we want for all of us: Peace in this life, protection from final damnation, and being numbered among the chosen. This is our wish for all the living.

The next part is called the Epiclesis. You can recognize it in all of the Eucharistic Prayers by the priest extending his hands flat over the bread and wine. In many parishes this is also accompanied by a single ringing of the Sanctus Bells. This marks the calling down of the Holy Spirit upon the gifts which we ask God to approve and make acceptable our offering which we ask to become the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus.

Now begins the Institution Narrative – the particular instructions left for us by our Savior. Please note once again that it is the Father that is being addressed (not us!) just as Jesus addressed the Father when He said these words first 2,000 years ago. The celebrant takes the bread in his hands and even though the narrative says, “He broke the bread,” we do not break it at this point! We are NOT putting on a play nor are we making a new sacrifice. The rite of breaking the bread comes later. Now we are concerned with having Jesus becoming present in this significant way. As the bread and wine is consecrated and becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus the celebrant genuflects in adoration which is often accompanied by the ringing of bells. The congregation likewise is given a moment of adoration of God made present on our altars.

Notice we say, “Do this in memory of me.” Some people make the claim that Jesus wanted us to do this for some symbolic reason in much the same way we might use a blanket or some such thing to remember our late grandmother. It calls her to mind and reminds us of her kindness or what have you. This is a very logical assumption but wrong. One has to use the terminology the way Jesus intended it.

The Jewish people at Passover also celebrate “in memory.” But in celebrating they don’t celebrate a new Passover but by celebrating it become present at THE Passover and thereby become the Chosen People. (If I have any Jewish readers I hope that I explained that in an adequate fashion and if not please clarify.) In any event, that is what WE mean. We become part of the original sacrifice.

Jesus is now present on our altar in this most privileged way, we acknowledged the fact, had our first opportunity at worship and now (usually) sing of this wonderful mystery (by way of example) “Lord, by Your cross and resurrection You have set us free! YOU ARE THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD!”

MASS CONFUSION PART 7

Now here is where things get tricky. There are a number of Eucharistic Prayers that we could examine and thereby get bogged down for weeks going over each one individually. Or we could so lightly gloss over them all that nothing in depth could be stated. I would like to believe that people regularly get the opportunity to hear the “Roman Canon (RC)” or Eucharistic Prayer I, but I have some doubt that this is the case. Just the same, perhaps with some general comments we will take a brief look at the RC and allow you to make appropriate application to all of the Eucharist Prayers.

The first thing to notice is that they are directed to the Father. The RC begins with the celebrant speaking on behalf of those assembled, “We come to you Father . . . through Jesus Christ Your Son.” We are speaking to the Father but He already knows what it is we are going to say. So in reality we are reminding and teaching ourselves what we are offering to the Father.

We call to mind all those in this world we wish to remember to the Father in this sacrifice; His Holy Catholic Church, which includes the Pope, our bishop, and all who hold and teach this faith given to us by the apostles. We are given the opportunity to call to mind some specific people we wish to pray for among the living. Of course we also want to include ourselves, “All of us gathered here before you . . . and those who are dear to us.” That is part of the glory of the ritual. So much is included every week in our official prayer so that we would never, upon leaving Mass in a world where the prayer is invented anew by the celebrant Sunday after Sunday, say, “Did you notice we didn’t pray for N. today?”

It must be remembered that there is only one sacrifice and only one priest. The one priest is Jesus and the sacrifice is His 2,000 years ago. When the Church prays the Mass it is ultimately Jesus Christ who performs the sacrifice (which is why it does not matter two figs who the priest is or how holy he is! It is Jesus Who makes Himself present!) And further it is all part of the one great sacrifice (something to be explored again in just a little bit.) Every Mass is as if a curtain in time has been opened and we are all present at the One Sacrifice offered by Our Lord in His life, death, and resurrection. So, in the next line, when we say, “In union with the whole Church,” we mean everyone throughout the world, for we are all, whenever we celebrate the Mass, present at the one Holy Sacrifice.

As one we acknowledge those who loved Him with all their hearts, mind, and body in this world and now share eternity with Him in Heaven among who is “Mary, Joseph, Peter and Paul, Andrew,” and all the saints on who give us “their constant help and protection.” In these short words we call to mind our belief in the One Body of Christ that has Christ as its head. We are all united in Jesus. There are not two bodies of Christ and neither can Jesus’ body be cut in twain even by death so somehow, mystically, we are all still united. Therefore as we can ask others to pray for us, we can ask those who have died and stand before God to pray for us. By stating this we praise God for the wonderful gift He has given us in this great company of saints that He has blessed us with.

(To be continued tomorrow.)

TUESDAY QUOTE OF THE WEEK CXX

FINDING TRUTH WHEREVER IT MAY BE FOUND: “Now consider the modern family suppertime, which is presented to us by our culture; it is an unholy mixture of plastic, pre-cooked protein, ugly toy dolls and clowns. Grace, if said, feels awkward. Cash can fill your belly, cash can entertain your kids. The entire event is a hollow shell, a mockery, a mini-sacrament in the culture of death . . .”

QUOTE II: :It is now a radical pro-life act to cook and eat at home.” The above two from David Bereford’s “Suppertime” in Gilbert Magazine

Yes, I’ve quoted this article a couple of times in the past few weeks. I found it one of the most brilliant and relevant short articles on the downfall of the family dinner to come out in a while. If I ever find it on line I will post it for you. A friend of mine cooks well for her family. Everything is homemade. Her kids went away to school and were shocked to find out how deplorable their peer’s experience of food and eating and family life was. They’ve all taken vows to continue the tradition of scorning the yellow arches and to share this experience with their families. See? There is still hope.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Fr. GDB sent this great site over. It is not Catholic specific, but it is a great resource. It says of itself, "We are a community of artists, storytellers, filmmakers, poets and theologians. Our work is to tell the story we share and to ask poignant questions through film, literature, art and music. We confess that we are created in the image of God and fulfill our calling by creating and recreating to the glory of God." Check it out. Thanks Fr.!

The hawks (I believe we've determined that is what they are) that live in our bell tower have had their babies and they are now flying about the parish terrorizing the bird and squirrel population. Here is a picture of (what I am guessing to be) dad and son on Father's Day.

This site reports frequently requested Catholic statics. "CARA gets many inquiries from Church agencies and the media about the numbers for vocations, seminary enrollments, priests and vowed religious, parishes, Mass attendance, schools and the Catholic population."

30 seconds:

MONDAY DIARY - AND NOW BACK TO YOU JESUS

Watching T.V. news (not something I do very regularly) it interesting to watch the news anchor’s faces as they switch between a heart breaking story and fluffy good-fleeing piece, one of grave concern for the community which then melds into campy banter between the news and sports anchors. At first I was thinking that Church is not much different.

This past weekend there was quite a lineup of events and this next weekend seems to be panning out to much the same. At any given hour there can be an event in the church building each appearing vastly different from the other. There is of course the regular Mass schedule of Saturday morning and then the weekend Masses. Confessions are thrown in. There are weddings, funerals, and baptisms all requiring sensitivity toward those in attendance. Sitting before the Blessed Sacrament I wondered if I was much like the news anchor putting on an appropriate face for any particular story. This disturbed me. Church needs to be sincere and what makes what we do here any different than the T.V. anchors?

One major difference seemed to leap out. There is one common thread in the Church that ties all of these seemingly disparate events together. Whether we are laying a sister or brother to rest, uniting two people in marriage, welcoming a soul into the Church, or what have you, they are tied together in hope: the hope of a blessed life in Christ, the hope of a loving marriage, the hope for eternal life. Our celebrating of these events are not about simply emoting through a story, but to connect all of these stories to the greater story of hope. We come together to remind ourselves that our part of the story is not the whole thing, there is something greater – greater and more wonderful. All of our sacraments keep lifting us into that unity of hope in the greater story which is as unchanging as the façade of the church building itself. Her doors open to those crying and lost and to those laughing and praising alike. The façade does not change because the message does not change. Here is hope. Here is the connection to the greater story of which you are an important part. Here you come not to act out your story, but to live it more fully, more truly, with greater significance, with community, with God, with hope.

FRIDAY FAIR - YOU'VE GOT TO HAVE HEART

The heart is symbolically thought to be the place our feelings of love or hate, devotion or deception originate. When in great emotion our hearts race or pound or feel heavy. Jesus’ love for us was so great we often wax about His heart being on fire for us. How else can we explain how He could love us so much that He could face pain, humiliation, and even death out of concern for us? Often in depictions of the Sacred Heart have this flame is pictured burning from the top of His heart, the fuel for the flame being the boundless love contained therein.

The crown of thorns often surrounds the heart, the humble and painful crown given to the King of Kings which He wore with dignity and for our salvation. The wound from the soldier’s lance is usually depicted. From this wound flowed blood and water the source of sacramental life in the Church: water that cleanses us and blood that feeds us.

O Jesus meek and humbled of heart, make our hearts like unto Thine.

MASS CONFUSSION PART 6

The very next sentence of the Mass I find very intimidating. The priest asks the congregation, “Pray my brothers and sisters that this our sacrifice will be acceptable to God the Almighty Father,” to which they respond, “May the Lord accept this sacrifice AT YOUR HANDS, for the praise and glory of His Name, for OUR GOOD, and the good of all His Church.” The first time this really hit me was in my first year of the priesthood when one day it turned out that I was the youngest person in the sanctuary and, on that particular day, much of the congregation. I remember thinking, “They are trusting ME with this? What are they thinking?” Of course it is not me per se, they trust God and the Church that He established. But this little exchange still gives me chills from time to time.

The prayer over the gifts comes next. Notice once again that it is directed to the Father, through the Son and the Holy Spirit. Then we hit the preface. One way of looking at it I suppose is like the preface of a book. It will mention a little about what we are to celebrate. Often it reflects the season or special feast. It sets the mood, prepares the heart, and gives us focus. For this reason, better than a preface in a book, I like to think of it as the half time speech by the coach revving the team back up for the all important second half as the “source and summit of the entire celebration begins.”


It starts with a call and response like a cheer. “The Lord be with you.”

“And also with you.”

“Lift up your hearts.”

“We lift them up to the Lord.”

“Let us give thanks to the Lord our God!”

“It is right to give Him thanks and praise.”

Then it is time for the speech of inspiration. There is an option among 7 that you might hear this weekend and they all begin with, “FATHER, all powerful and ever living God . . .” (Funny how few people realize the direction of these prayers even though the Mass is in supposed easy to understand English.)

They have varying endings but they all include that the song we are about to sing is in chorus with angels and saints. The Mass is not just us, it is the whole Body of Christ united in Christ through the Holy Spirit. So we join the saint in their never ending joy and worship of God and the angels who are ever before Him. This is not “our” Mass. This is the one Mass being offered around the world and throughout time. A curtain has opened in time and we are all present at Christ’s one great sacrifice.

And the angels are there. They are not fanciful creatures we tell stories to children about. They are true and serious beings and the song we sing, the Sanctus, is the song of angels that comes to us from Isaiah 6:3 and we join in. “’Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts’ they cried one to the other, ‘all the earth is filled with His glory!’” Three is a number of perfection. He is not just holy, but holiness itself! Thrice or perfectly holy! Then, “Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord,” is, “by all rights” a reference to Christ’s triumphal entrance into Jeruselem – Christ Who is about to be made present, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity on our altar.

Wow.

MASS CONFUSION PART 5

So the homily is over and hopefully it was brilliant, short, and left you wanting more. If you are so fortunate, there is then a moment of silence to reflect on the breaking open of the Scriptures before we stand for the Creed. After hearing teachings from our Master (Jesus, not the presider) and before we enter the great mystery of the sacrifice of the Mass, we stand together and profess our core beliefs. “We believe . . .” Well, at least for now we do. In the (near?) future we will be saying, “I believe” in keeping with the ancient form of the prayer and forcing us to say more emphatically that it is I who believe not just as part of the anonymous Masses. (Hence the problem of not participating. Nobody will be covering for you anymore.)

The General Intercessions follow. They are just that. They intercessions and they are general. This may sound obvious to you but it is not to most people. They are intercessions of general interest concerning first the Church, the world, and then other, perhaps more local or pertinent petitions. The time for personal petitions is during the collects. If you remember, the first of these was at the beginning of the Mass when the priest says, “Let us pray.” That is when we are to add them. Not here. This is not the time for the person leading the prayers to say, “And for any prayers you care to mention” or some such thing. Praying “for me Aunt Gertrude who lives in Kentucky and who fell down the steps last week and broke her hip and is in the hospital waiting for further tests and we hope that everything is going to be Okay we pray to the Lord,” is NOT a GENERAL intercession. It is a very SPECIFIC intercession appropriate for the collect or other type of prayer service. But that is battle on a hill not worth losing many troupes over I imagine.

Obviously at this time the gifts are brought forward and the altar is set. This is also the time when a few from among the congregation come forward and start circulating baskets through the Church hoping that the Church will supply funds so that the parish may continue its mission. This is not just a handy-dandy time to take up a collection for funds. It is a rite. It is part of our offering to the Lord. We’ve labored all week and this is part of the fruit of our labor that we give after hearing His word and before we receive His body. To not participate in some way is to not participate in part of the Mass. I tell people all the time that if they are truly strapped for cash to drop in the empty envelope. You offering is your struggles that week while still showing that you support your parish’s and the Church’s mission.


Which brings us to electronic giving. I will admit that as an administrator this is very comforting. When a significant portion of your parish disappears to Florida every year it is nice to know that the collection will not fluctuate to the negative too harshly. But I am a little uneasy about it as it deprives the giver the chance to participate in the rite. So once again, I encourage these people to drop in their envelope just the same with a prayer offering for their parish.

Alright! Now we are making progress! We are finally up to the Liturgy of the Eucharist and we start tomorrow!