Corpus Christi Blog

The Mass —Worship and Service

09-17-2017Weekly ReflectionMatt Henry, Director of Music & Liturgy

The Heavenly Mass

Did you know that as we celebrate Mass, it is also happening in heaven? Jesus, the High Priest, presides over the heavenly Mass, surrounded by the heavenly hosts. In the book of Revelation, John gives an account of the heavenly Mass which consists of reading from the scrolls (Liturgy of the Word), the singing of hymns, and the breaking of bread (Liturgy of the Eucharist). In the Mass, the priest references the heavenly Mass just prior to the “Sanctus” (Holy, Holy) when he says, “And so, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the hymn of your glory, as without end we acclaim…” With them…at that moment…now…here!

There is a beautiful painting in the vestibule of our church depicting the Mass in heaven and the Mass on earth. Many of us walk by without noticing its beauty or its significance. Imagine we are in a beautiful old cathedral with that painting across the wall behind the altar. Try to visualize Jesus at his altar saying the prayers through the priest and the saints and angels celebrating Mass with him (with us!) During the Mass, the altar is a place where heaven and earth touch, where our earthly Mass is celebrated with the heavenly mass. It is awe-inspiring and humbling whenever we can recognize God in our presence. Nowhere is this more tangible than in Mass!

The Eternal Mass

Did you know that there is always a Mass being celebrated? With 24 time zones (and even a few ½ hour zones), it is logical to conclude that there is always someone, somewhere, celebrating Mass. Each time zone takes a turn celebrating mass for the rest of the world; bearing the responsibility of representing us to God in and through the liturgy. In much the same way that a parish gains graces when it provides perpetual adoration, the whole world gains grace from the perpetual Mass! It is a great privilege and a great responsibility to serve the world through our participation in the Mass!
So, we must represent ourselves and the world in the best way possible when it is our turn to participate in Mass. In Mass, we pray for ourselves and our families, but also for all the souls in Purgatory. We pray for all the souls that have fallen away from faith, and we pray for all the souls who have yet to have the opportunity to encounter Christ. We must invest completely in the liturgical actions of the Mass. The rest of the world is counting on us to do our part.

What is “Liturgy”

The simple answer for Catholics is that the liturgy is the Mass, or more specifically the people’s participation in the service. The word liturgy means “a public work” or “a service in the name of/on behalf of the people.” According to the Catechism, the liturgy is “the service of God and neighbor.” In the liturgy, “full public worship is performed.” Every liturgical celebration is a “sacred action surpassing all others. No other action of the Church can equal its efficacy by the same title and to the same degree.” (CCC 1069 & 1070) The celebration of the Mass is a big deal!

Recognizing the significance of the Mass as the most efficient and effective way of providing worship of God and service to neighbor, we are challenged to engage in it completely and enhance it however and wherever possible.

What makes liturgy great?

Common answers to that question include: beautiful architecture and decoration, good music and musicians, thoughtful and engaging homilies, friendly and engaging congregation, powerful reading of the Word, reverent extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, strong and loud participation in prayer and responses, a congregation that sings the hymns, moments for silent reflection and prayer, reverence, a sense of community, donuts (I mean.. hospitality), etc.

The Mass is complex. There are intimate moments designed for peace, personal prayer, and sacred silence. There are also moments for joyous celebration, exultation, and community. Both provide incredible opportunities to experience God’s real presence and to worship Him. Some people find the greatness of the liturgy in its intimacy and silence, while others find it in the communal aspects. As the Mass is a place for all of God’s people, we must strive to serve each other by providing a liturgy which accomplishes all of these things.

Caution: This may take you out of your personal comfort zone at times…

Each of us is challenged to both worship God and serve each other in the liturgy. Remember, liturgy means service for the people and God. If you are a social person and full of love for the communal aspects of liturgy, you may need to focus on making space for quiet contemplation before Mass, after readings, and after communion. If you lean towards the personal prayers and the “sacred silence” of the liturgy, you may need to make effort to greet your neighbors, offer them peace, and raise your voice in the prayers and hymns. Spending a few minutes after Mass in fellowship with others while enjoying donuts, coffee, and conversation can help, too.

Speaking of stretching beyond your comfort zone, sit near other people. Just because the church is a large space doesn’t mean we should “fill it up” by spreading out. In addition, sit in the front of the church. At Broadway shows, concerts, sporting events, etc., it is desirable (and expensive) to sit up front to be near the greatness and the action. Witness the “action and greatness” of the Mass in the front. (We won’t even charge you extra.) You will find it easier to focus and be less distracted. In addition, if we are providing sacred silence in appropriate times, people won’t need to sit farther away to avoid distractions. Closer proximity will enhance the communal activities in the liturgy, strengthen our responses and the liturgy is elevated! Whenever possible, sit together.

“Strength for the Journey”

Yes, God challenges us, but he also supports us and strengthens us along the way. As one of the songs I love singing says, “I (God) will be strength for the journey!” God’s creation is perfect, and we are created by God. So, in the liturgy, be strengthened by God’s love for you and work to let go of insecurity, unworthiness, inhibition, etc. Remember that the Mass is the place where heaven and earth touch. In the end, when we live eternally with God in heaven, we will no longer suffer from negative self-image because we will see ourselves through God’s eyes! So, the Mass is a great time to practice and prepare for heaven. Worship without reservation.

A Personal Story about Singing in the Liturgy (You knew I’d go there…)

My father doesn’t have what we classically trained musicians would call a “beautiful voice.” And yet, when I would attend Mass with my family growing up, I was shocked how often people at Mass would complement my father on his singing. What were they hearing? Not a perfect pitch or beautiful tone qualities (Sorry, dad!), but they appreciated his spirit, enthusiasm, and conviction. My dad is not shy about his faith, and people recognize and appreciate that! Singing is not an expression of your gift of music, it is an expression of your faith…and that is ALWAYS beautiful and powerful.
Remember, God said make a “Joyful NOISE.” Noise doesn’t have to be aesthetically pleasing or perfect. It just needs to be JOYFUL! Also remember, God made you, including your voice, so, be proud of it, and use it. This is true in the hymns at Mass as well as the prayers and responses.

Practical Ways to Enhance the Liturgy

To Enhance the “Sacred Silence”

  • Spend time in silent prayer 5-10 minutes prior to Mass
  • Pray to the Holy Spirit, reflect on the scriptures and homily after the Liturgy of the Word
  • Engage fully in the consecration of the Eucharist: focus.
  • Pray/reflect/allow yourself to quietly listen to God speak to you after Holy Communion

To Enhance the “Joyous Celebration”

  • Chose to sit near people. Take the “expensive seats” in the front half of church when possible.
  • Join the heavenly hosts in the heartfelt singing the Gloria, the Sanctus (Holy, Holy), and the Great Amen (I believe)
  • Proclaim the Creed and responses with conviction and your full voice
  • Sing the hymns. If not the whole song at first, start with the chorus or refrain. Be brave.
  • Engage those around you during the Sign of Peace
  • Get to know each other in fellowship after Mass in the courtyard
  • Participate in parish social activities

Conclusion

Imagine a Mass where we are fully engaged and fully participating in worshiping our Lord and in service to others; where heaven and earth touch at the altar; where we have an intimate and personal encounter with Christ and a communal relationship with our parish family; where we acclaim God’s presence in our enthusiastic response in prayers and songs. That is a liturgy I would be excited to attend!

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