Category: Mass (Page 1 of 2)

Bulletin Insert: Where Do the Priest’s Prayers Come From?

August 11, 2017 / Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB

Where Do the Priest’s Prayers Come From?

Sometimes, people ask where the prayers that the priest says at Mass come from. Basically, they come from the Roman Missal, the book that the priest reads from at Mass, both at the chair for the celebrant as well as at the altar.

The prayers of the missal, however, have a great history and have served as the principal way of passing down the Christian tradition over the centuries. A quick glance at the missal can help us appreciate these prayers more deeply.

The entrance and communion antiphons, which are really chants for the whole assembly, usually come from the Bible. The sign of the cross at the beginning of Mass, can be traced back to the Gospel of Matthew 28:19: Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. When the priest shows the Host to the people before communion he says: Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb, which a clear reference to Revelation 19:9: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb. After the priest says that, the people respond with: I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof which echoes the words of the centurion in Matthew 8:8/Luke 7:6.

Then there is the prayer that the priest says before the readings which is known as the Collect, and the Prayer over the Offerings and the Prayer after Communion. These three prayers are often from the first thousand years of the Church’s existence. Some go back as early as the fifth century. Finally, there is the great Eucharistic Prayer I, which is also known as the Roman Canon. Passages of that prayer are found in writings from the middle of the fourth century.

The prayers of the priest, therefore, are a gift to us from the Church, and they pass down to us a treasury of prayers by which Christians through the ages have worshipped their Lord and God.

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

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

Bulletin Insert: Candles and Their Use in the Sacred Liturgy

June 14, 2017 / Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB

“Candles and Their Use in the Sacred Liturgy”

The use of candles in Catholic liturgy can best be understood in the context of Christ declaring himself to be the light of the world (Jn. 8:12) and promising that no follower of his will ever walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Candles with which we adorn our churches and our altars are a sign both of life and of truth. When one is baptized, the celebrant lights the baptismal candle from the paschal candle, and as he gives it to a member of the family he says: “Receive the light of Christ.” He then encourages the parents and godparents to keep that light burning brightly so that the newly-baptized may walk always as a child of the light.

Symbolically, therefore, candles give forth light and remind us of Christ’s definitive victory of light over darkness. The Lord who is the light of the world has put an end to the rule of the evil one, the prince of darkness. Holiness and not sin has triumphed. But candles are consumed as they give forth light and warmth. Christ himself was consumed as a sacrifice as he showed himself to be the light of the world, even to the point of giving all he had and all he was on the cross. It can hardly be different for Christians whom the Lord calls the light of the world (Mt. 5:14). As they give forth light and warmth, they will be consumed as was their Lord. Light, truth, life, and the cross all go together—for the Lord and for us.

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

Bulletin Insert: Incense and Its Use in the Sacred Liturgy

June 13, 2017 / Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB

“Incense and Its Use in the Sacred Liturgy”

The use of incense in Catholic liturgy is a sign of prayer and of reverence. Already in the Old Testament, they prayed: “Let my prayer rise before you like incense, and the raising of my hands like an evening sacrifice” (Ps. 141 [140]:2). In the Book of Revelation, we also read that the elders had vessels of gold filled with incense, which were the prayers of the saints, and the elders fell down before the Lamb of God in prayer (Rev. 5:8). The use of incense is, consequently, a visual and also a sweet-scented sign of our prayer rising before the throne of God. Symbolically, it both rises before the Lord and at the same time, in its sweet scent, reminds one of how pleasing the prayers and sacrifices of his holy ones are to the Most High God.

The use of incense in the sacred liturgy is also a sign of honor to persons and things that are considered sacred. Processions are sometimes led by a minister carrying the censer. At various times in the Mass, the altar, which is a symbol of Christ, may be incensed, as would be the crucifix. The offerings, which will shortly become the very Body and Blood of the Lord, may be incensed as well. The celebrant and the people may be incensed at the Offertory, as they are carrying out their noble function before God in the sacred liturgy. The consecrated host and the Precious Blood may be incensed when the host and the chalice are shown to the people at Mass. Finally, in processions with the Blessed Sacrament the censer-bearer processes immediately before the Blessed Sacrament to show the Lord the reverence that is due him.

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

Bulletin Insert: Taking Holy Water When Entering the Church

June 13, 2017 / Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB

“Taking Holy Water When Entering the Church”

According to an honored practice that goes back centuries, all Christians who enter a church take holy water and sign themselves with the Sign of the Cross as a reminder of their baptism. They cross themselves and say: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” This is so similar to the formula in which they were baptized when the celebrant of baptism inserted the person’s name and said, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” each time immersing or pouring water on the person being baptized.

Entering the church and blessing oneself with holy water reminds one of his or her baptism when they became an adopted son or daughter of God, when they were brought into the very life of the Blessed Trinity, when they had all of their sins forgiven, when they became a member of the Church, and when they became fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God (Eph. 2:19). Entering the church and taking holy water, recalling one’s baptism, also reminds one that they have drawn near to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to a multitude of angels in festal gathering, to the spirits of the just who have been made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant (see Heb. 12:22-24).

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

Bulletin Insert: “These Sacred Mysteries” (Part IV: The Mystery of Christ in You, Your Hope of Glory)

December 3, 2016 / Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB

[Part I · Part II · Part III · Part IV]

“These Sacred Mysteries”
Part IV: The Mystery of Christ in You, Your Hope of Glory

The sacred mysteries, which are the mysteries of Christ, are for us and for our salvation, so much does God love us. Even in the words of the consecration, the fact that the mystery of redemption in Christ is a result of God’s love for us, is evident when the priest says: “Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my Body, which will be given up for you.” The sacred mysteries which we celebrate are given to disciples, those who have believed and who have been baptized into the mystery of the life of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The mystery of Christ is a gift of God’s grace and is nothing that we could ever earn. It is the gift beyond all others. But it is a gift in which we participate, because of our baptism and all of our sacramental life. The Lord of Glory died on the cross, rose on the third day, ascended into heaven, and now is enthroned at the right hand of the Father. This same Lord of Glory, Jesus Christ, has invited us to share in his divine life and makes that life real through his sacraments. Christ is present, and God’s plan of salvation is being realized in our life in Christ. In him, we live and move and have our being. But we unite ourselves to him as well by embracing our joys and our sorrows, our weeping and our rejoicing, and ultimately our life and our death in the light of Christ and his suffering, death, resurrection, and glorification. Christian life is ultimately life transformed and transfigured, and always lived in union with the life of Christ himself. Let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

(to be continued next week)

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

Bulletin Insert: “These Sacred Mysteries” (Part III: The Mystery of Christ, Hidden and Revealed)

December 3, 2016 / Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB

[Part I · Part II · Part III · Part IV]

“These Sacred Mysteries”
Part III: The Mystery of Christ, Hidden and Revealed

The mystery of Christ, however, is not a mystery which is unknown as happens in the case of a mystery novel. Rather, it is a mystery whose content has been revealed to us through Christ himself. In the first chapter of the letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians, we read that the mystery that was hidden from ages and generations in the past is now revealed to God’s holy ones. God willed to make known to them the glory which the mystery brings, the mystery of Christ in them. For the Christian, the mystery of Christ is the plan of salvation that God had in mind from before the beginning of time and which he has made known to us. Knowing that our first parents would sin, God in his wisdom, which is beyond all understanding, planned to send his Son as the Redeemer of the world. Consequently, the “mystery” of Christ involves the revelation to us of that mystery, how the very Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity, would take human nature upon himself, suffer and die for our salvation, and rise again on the third day. For this reason, the Church, throughout the liturgical year celebrates the mysteries of Christ which call us out of darkness into the very light of life of God.

(to be continued next week)

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

Category: Mass (Page 1 of 2)

Bulletin Insert: Where Do the Priest’s Prayers Come From?

Bulletin Insert: Genuflecting

Bulletin Insert: The Readings in Ordinary Time

Bulletin Insert: Silence

Bulletin Insert: Where Do the Mass Readings Come From?

Bulletin Insert: Candles and Their Use in the Sacred Liturgy

Bulletin Insert: Incense and Its Use in the Sacred Liturgy

Bulletin Insert: Taking Holy Water When Entering the Church

Bulletin Insert: “These Sacred Mysteries” (Part IV: The Mystery of Christ in You, Your Hope of Glory)

Bulletin Insert: “These Sacred Mysteries” (Part III: The Mystery of Christ, Hidden and Revealed)

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