Month: July 2017 (Page 2 of 2)

Bulletin Insert: Genuflecting

July 7, 2017 / Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB

Genuflecting to the Blessed Sacrament and to the Cross

Sometimes people will ask: “Why do we genuflect before we enter a pew in church?” Another way of phrasing the question would be: “Why do we genuflect when we come into church?” A genuflection is seen by the Church as a sign of reverence that signifies adoration. It is for that reason that Catholics genuflect to the Blessed Sacrament when they come into a church. A genuflection is made by bending only the right knee to the ground. This is done whether the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle or exposed for adoration. This sign of reverence is the same as that of the priest who genuflects on one knee at Mass after the consecration of the Host or the Precious Blood, and also before he shows the Host to the people before Communion.

The genuflection is also made to the cross from the time of solemn adoration of the cross in the Good Friday liturgy until the beginning of the liturgy of the Easter Vigil.

No genuflection is ever made by those who are carrying something that is used in the liturgical celebration, for example, the censer, the cross, candlesticks, or the Book of the Gospels.

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

Bulletin Insert: The Readings in Ordinary Time

July 5, 2017 / Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB

The Readings in Ordinary Time

All of the readings that we hear at Mass come from the Bible, either the Old Testament or the New Testament. On the Sundays of what is called Ordinary Time, there are three readings provided by the Church for us to hear and reflect upon. The first reading is from the Old Testament, the second reading is from an apostle, and the third reading is from one of the gospels.

The Sunday readings are arranged in a three-year cycle, so that we hear each set of readings every three years. The Gospel readings and are generally taken from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The Gospel of John is used at other times. In general, the gospels for this time of the year deal with the life and teaching of Christ. The Old Testament readings have been chosen to correspond to the gospel readings in order to bring out the unity between the Old and New Testaments. A Catholic understanding of the Bible recognizes that the New Testament lies hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is better understood in light of the New.

The second reading is a generally continuous reading from the Letters of Paul and James since the Letters of Peter and John are read at other times.

Consequently, the distributions of the readings of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter as well as those of Ordinary Time assure that those who take part in Sunday Mass are familiar with the New Testament and almost all of the principal passages of the Old Testament.

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

Bulletin Insert: Silence

July 4, 2017 / Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB

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

Bulletin Insert: Where Do the Mass Readings Come From?

July 4, 2017 / Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB

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

Month: July 2017 (Page 2 of 2)

Bulletin Insert: Genuflecting

Bulletin Insert: The Readings in Ordinary Time

Bulletin Insert: Silence

Bulletin Insert: Where Do the Mass Readings Come From?

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