Let us all more fully and attentatively participate in the Mass by carefully listening to every word prayed throughout the liturgy. The words of the Eucharistic prayers are so beautiful, and reveal God's awesome love for us!

I would like to present these words in several blog posts for readers to reflect upon their beauty. I pray that Catholics throughthe world will become more focused at Mass, freed from the distractions of the world, to reflect on what God continues to give us through His Son, Jesus Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit, the Eucharist! Let us look at the preface to Eucharistic Prayer II, the one which we hear most often at Sunday Mass.

 

Reflect on the fact that during Mass, time stands still, and we enter into and become present with all the angels and saints and the Church throughout the world at the eternal sacrifice of our Lord's passion, death and resurrection, together!

 

" It is truly right and just, our duty and salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father most holy, through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, your Word through whom you made all things, whom you sent as our Savior and Redeemer, incarnate by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin. Fulfilling your will and gaining for you a holy people, he stretched out his hands as he endured his Passion, so as to break the bonds of death and manifest the resurrection. And so, with the Angels and all the Saints we declare your glory, as with one voice we acclaim:"

Heaven on Earth

Father Larry Richards, in his presentation entitled, The Mass Explained, says this about what occurs at every Mass, ‘eternity folds into the present and the present folds into eternity.’

At the beginning of each Mass we hear the priest say these words in what is known as the Penitential Rite, “My brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us call to mind our sins.”

Yes, the fact that the God of the universe, Jesus Christ, becomes truly present among us and gives Himself to us in the Eucharist is a mystery of faith. As we commemorate Christ’s one redeeming sacrifice for the sins of the world, we join our Blessed Mother and all the angels and saints at the foot of the cross as we give glory and honor to our Savior as He gives us His life so that we may live!

How awesome is this image? And how privileged we are to stand in His presence!

Dr. Scott Hahn, in his book, The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth, uses a beautiful illustration of the Mass as a time “when heaven touches down to save an earth under siege.” Of course Dr. Hahn is referring to the continuous battle we wage against the spiritual forces of darkness perpetrated by Satan and his army of demons.

Now that we have a little knowledge of what goes on at Mass, it should be a place where we all long to be! We should be there as often as possible, and eagerly look forward to each and every celebration of this Holy Sacrifice!

Please pass this on to all our Catholic brothers and sisters, as well as all humanity for that matter – Jesus gave His life for ALL!

The Mass: Why Are We There?

I love seeing full churches at any Mass, and I would encourage all Catholics to attend Mass, not just on Sundays, but whenever possible. I realize that there are many responsibilities and commitments that place great demands on our time, but where there is a will, there is a way.

The more we learn about our Catholic faith, and the more we grow in knowledge of the grace available to us, especially in the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confession/Reconciliation, the more eager we will become to make time to go to Confession and attend and participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

The entire Liturgy of the Mass is one big, beautiful prayer of worship and thanksgiving. I encourage you to take the time to listen carefully to the liturgy, and participate fully at Mass.

My prayer is that all Catholics, including myself, through the grace of Almighty God, will continue to grow in the knowledge of our faith, and to realize what a privilege it is to not only be in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, but also to be able to unite with Him in the Eucharist.

“We thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you. May all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ be brought together in unity by the Holy Spirit.” (from the Eucharistic prayer at Mass)

I am always on the lookout for good resources, especially videos, that will increase our knowledge of what the Mass is all about, which I pray will eventually lead us all into a full appreciation for this most precious Gift we have available to us!

The following is a video I found on YouTube and published by the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The title is Introduction to the Mass. At its conclusion, a series of videos will continue to play, each giving explanations for each part of the Mass.

One of my all time favorite video teachings on the Mass is entitled, The Mass Explained. It is presented most eloquently by Father Larry Richards. There is little doubt that you will find Father Richards to be very informative! He is a great speaker with the God-given ability to hold your attention! This video, along with other great resources can be found at The Reason For Our Hope Foundation.

Please don’t hesitate to share this with others! Thank you for your time, and may our Lord’s peace remain with you always!

Positive Changes in the Newly Revised Liturgy of the Mass

New Words: A Deeper Meaning, but the Same Mass

The Missale Romanum (the Roman Missal), the ritual text for the celebration of the Mass, was first promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as the definitive text of the reformed liturgy of the Second Vatican Council. A second edition followed in 1975.
Pope John Paul II issued a revised version . . . read more

Be Anxious for Nothng!

In the Liturgy of the Mass as part of the Communion Rite, we hear the priest say these words following the Lord’s Prayer, “Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

We are reminded that as followers of Christ we need not be anxious! The Lord will deliver us if we wait on Him and trust in Him!

For all of you who are experiencing anxiety over the things of this world, take heart and trust in God. Below are only a few verses from God’s Word about His promise to protect and guide us through the storms of this earthly life.

Following the Bible verses below, please click on the video to listen to and read the lyrics of Matt Redman’s song, Never Let Go - this song is very appropriate for the times in which we live!

BIBLE VERSES:

A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me;
you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come. (Psalm 23:1-6)

I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9-10)

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)

Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:3-5, 7a)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2)

Fear of others will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (Proverbs 29:25)

Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:13a,14)

Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

By his light I walked through darkness. (Job 29:3)

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28

Beauty of the Liturgy of the Mass

Brothers and sisters,

Have you ever really listened to the Liturgy of the Mass or taken the time to read these beautiful prayers? I urge you to do so!

A simple reading of these prayers and petitions by anyone who claims that the Roman Catholic faith is a cult, or that Catholics aren't "saved" should serve to convince them otherwise!

Please, click on the title of this post to link to a place where you'll be able to read and meditate on the Liturgy of the Mass!