Day: July 4, 2017

Sacred Silence

A shared silence by the members of the Christian community at Mass is part and parcel of the celebration of Mass itself. This silence has various characteristics. It can serve as an opportunity for people to arrive at a certain quiet and recollect themselves, or it can give them a chance to think about what they have just heard, or it might let them praise God in their hearts and pray for their various needs.

At the beginning of Mass, in the Penitential Act, during a brief moment of silence, we recall and acknowledge our sin. Before the Collect, after the priest says, Let us pray, we are given a chance to remember that we are in the presence of God and call to mind our intentions.

Following that, the Liturgy of the Word is celebrated in such a way as to foster meditation and recollection. This is done so that, under the action of the Holy Spirit, the word of God may enter deeply into the heart and call forth a response in prayer. Consequently, it is proper that there are times of silence after the first reading, the second reading, and the homily.

During the Eucharistic Prayer, which begins with the Preface, it is also important that the gathered assembly should listen to the words of the priest in reverence and silence, entering deeply into the Mass that they are celebrating, so that they may respond with a heartfelt Amen at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer itself.

After Communion, as well, there may be a time of silence so that people can praise God and pray to him in their hearts.

Finally, even before Mass begins, the Church recommends to us the practice of observing silence in the church, in the sacristy, and in all adjacent areas so that people may dispose themselves properly for the sacred celebration.

Source: Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB, Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, PA
www.liftupyourhearts.church

Where Do the Readings at Mass Come From?

Sunday after Sunday at Mass, people hear various readings, and sometimes they ask where these readings come from. That is a good question, because it asks about how important these readings are and how much attention should we pay to them.

All of the readings that we hear at Mass come from the Bible, either the Old Testament or the New Testament. The Mass readings are selections of the word of God, and Christ is present in his word when it is read at Mass. For that reason, the Church askes that it be listened to reverently by everyone. The readings are of great importance in the Mass, and they are addressed to all Christians of all time—whatever the circumstances of their lives. So whenever we hear the readings at Mass, God is speaking to us, both as a community and as individuals. Attentive listening to these readings is one way of engaging in active participation at Mass, listening with one’s heart to what God is saying. Even the posture of the people at Mass indicates this since they are seated, as a gesture of listening—except for when they hear the gospel since they stand out of sign of special respect.

Finally, how important are these readings, and how much attention should we pay to them? It is God speaking to us at that very moment. It is not so much the person who is doing the reading, as it is Christ speaking to us in the Church and through his word. That is how important it is!

Source: Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB, Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, PA
www.liftupyourhearts.church