Over the next two weeks we will walk on a journey of “unpacking” the Mass, or talking about why we celebrate the Mass the way that we do. When we enter into Mass, we are entering into “re-presentation” of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. At the very center of the Mass is the sacrifice of Christ that began at the Last Supper and culminated on the cross. We do not believe that Christ is still on the cross today, yet what we do believe is that we celebrate the Mass that making that same sacrifice present to us today… Christ paid the debt of all our sins. That sacrifice is an eternal sacrifice that is presented to us every time we are at Mass; we participate in the Heavenly Liturgy with the angels, saints, and the Heavenly court. What holds us back is that we are not able to see that while we are at Mass.
Over these next two Thursdays, we will unpack why the Mass is set up the way that it is.
Part 1: March 14th will cover the Introductory Rite and the Liturgy of the Word.
- Why do we say the same things every Mass?
- Why do we process into Mass?
- Why do we sing Gloria?
- Why do we stand up when Mass begins?
- Why is there one reading from the New Testament, one from the Old Testament, and one Gospel per week?
- Why do we make the sign of the Cross with Holy Water as we enter?
These are just some of the questions that we will answer this night.
Part 2: March 21st will cover the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
On this night we will look at how the Mass shifts into a sacrificial service. The bread and wine is sacrificed on the altar, the way that Jesus told us to this in remembrance of him.
- What does remembrance mean?
- Why do we sing the parts that we do?
- What are the preface prayers?
- Why are there silent prayers that the priest says “in a low voice?”
- Why do we kneel at the consecration?
- Why do we have to say the same words for the consecration?
These are just some of the questions that we will answers this night. The goal is to help us participate more readily at Mass. When we understand something more, we will appreciate more. All are invited to take this journey together as we unpack the Mass on March 14th and 21st beginning at 7:00 pm in church at Incarnation Campus.