Thanks to all who joined us for the first presentation of our Summer Lecture Series on July 3rd! For those who were unable to attend, I’ll summarize the main points here. You may have heard that the word Liturgy means “public work.” This is true, though it can be misleading if that’s all we know. Rather than being like a road or public utilities, the Sacred Liturgy is a gift that is given for the benefit of the public, not something that we make for ourselves. In fact, “liturgy” is a Greek word that, in places like ancient Athens, often referred to a gift given by a leading citizen to the city-state when his son entered into public service. So the Sacred Liturgy is first and foremost a gift given to us by God, and only secondarily a gift that we give [back] to Him. Therefore we should receive this gift with gratitude by treating it with respect in its integrity, rather than try to re-make it in our own image — for instance, by trying to make it more like a public assembly or concert or talkshow.
You may also have heard that the Mass is a meal. And it is! But it is only a meal insofar as it is first a participation in Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. In the Old Testament, those offering sacrifice in the Temple would receive most of their offering back, and would then consume the offering as the completion of the sacrifice. In the Mass, we are given to participate in the ONE offering of Christ, made present for us mystically, so that we might unite ourselves to Him and offer ourselves along with Him. Our reception of Holy Communion completes that action and applies to us the fruits of that offering. What a great gift!
Finally, you may have heard that we must actively participate in Mass. Certainly! And how do we participate well? Not primarily by doing things in the Mass — like bringing up the gifts or doing one of the readings, though these are good ways to help — but by prayerfully and attentively engaging each part of the Mass, ready to receive the graces that our Lord offers.
I hope these insights will enrich your understanding of the Mass and help make your participation in it more fruitful, in concert with the National Eucharistic Revival. If you’re interested in learning more about the Mass, be sure to join us on July 24th for another session on the Sacred Liturgy.