About the Mass Series: Preparation for the Mass Part 1

ABOUT THE MASS VOL 1

About the Mass’ series will be posted once a week for over 12 months. You will find all future posts in this series in my 'Sacraments' category. I hope you will embark on this journey with me and follow the series.  'About the Mass' series will be divided into 8 sections namely:

1.  Introduction
2. Overview of the Mass.
3. Preparation for Mass
4. Introductory Rite
5. Liturgy of the Word
6. Liturgy of the Eucharist
7. Communion Rite
8. Concluding Rite.

 This week we commence the journey 'Preparation for the Mass. There will be 3 parts to Section 3.

PREPARATION FOR THE MASS PART 1

Preparation for any ‘event’ in our lives is necessary, whether it is research, preparing a draft for an essay, shopping for the family meals, vacuuming (or perhaps a spring clean) when friends have been invited for that special celebratory meal, and the list could go on.In all of these events and the many others that will occur to you, there is the common thread of anticipation, and also the importance it plays in our lives.

So how do we prepare for the great event in our week- The Mass?  We may need to review what place and how important The Mass is in our priority list in our week.

  

We can start to prepare for Sunday Mass from Sunday night.  Reflecting on the following Sunday’s Scriptures each day and seeing how it relates to our lives can be one way to recapture that sense of anticipation.

Then, we also need to prepare for Sunday Mass from the time we wake up.  Little steps like eating something special or different from our usual breakfast routine can help remind us that it is Sunday- the Lord’s Day- the day to celebrate the Resurrection. (I love to eat my raisin loaf toast on Sunday).

Then we need to get dressed.  Do we dress with the sense of the occasion of this spiritual event in mind on Sunday?

Of course, these little steps can be useful, but it also needs to be accompanied by prayerful spiritual anticipation.  We do really need to prepare our bodies, minds and hearts BEFORE we arrive at Sunday Mass.   After all, the Sabbath is sacred to the Lord.

How do YOU prepare for Mass on Sunday?

The Virtue Series: Hope Part 2

THE VIRTUE SERIES

HOPE PART 2

With all of these theological virtues, we are aware the opposite side of the coin, the vices, can prevent us from growing in these virtues. Let us explore what are these vices/ sins against the virtue of Hope.

While hope is the virtue to which we, through faith and love patiently expect eternal life, there are two vices that oppose the virtue of hope: despair and presumption.  Despair expresses itself by saying there is no hope (eg God cannot save a wretch like me.. I am not worthy to be saved).

The following scripture passages tells us why we should hope in God and not despair.  They also indicate how we can lured into despair.

• John 3;17: God intends to save the world through Jesus, not condemn it.
• John 17:1-4: Jesus has the power to give us eternal life.
• Galatians 4:4-7: God has sent his Son to redeem us and has adopted us as His children.  We are no longer slaves of this world.
• Ephesians 1:11-14: We have been sealed with the Holy Spirit, who guarantees our inheritance of eternal life.

SINS AGAINST HOPE

All of the above verses express the promise and power of God to give us eternal life.  A person can be lured into despair by believing the lies of the devil.  Two effective lies of the devil that could lead one to despair are are (1) an exaggeration of our unworthiness and (2) to 'earn' our salvation.

We can be lured into despair therefore when we lose our focus from God. From there, it is relatively easy to turn to despair, since our lives are filled with busyness and worry at many levels in our families, work and parishes. We can very quickly lose sight of God's goal for us- to be happy with Him in Heaven for ever. When we get drowned in life's worries and the daily routine of life without God being central to it, then the sin of despair is inevitable. It is essential to keep God as our number one priority,turning to Him first with our worries and anxieties and indeed our whole life. We need to remember we are pilgrims on the journey- our goal is Heaven. We need to have a growing relationship with God, otherwise why would we hope to live with Him for ever, if we do not know and love and serve Him. Why would we want to live with someone whom we have never known or are only remotely acquainted.!!!!!

2. PRESUMPTION

The second sin against hope is presumption.  If hope is patient expectation, and despair is the refusal to expect salvation, presumption assumes that our individual salvation assured irrespective of our cooperation with God's grace. 

The following Scripture passages warns us again the sin of presumption and explain our need to continue in the hope of eternal rewards.

• Matthew 24:13: We need to persevere in the faith to the end of our lives.
• Romans 8:24: Hope is not something that we see or have obtained, but a patient expectation rooted in the promises of God.
• Hebrews 6:7-12: Faith is demonstrated through actions and done because of our hope in the promises of God.  If we presume that our salvation is already sealed and we have no need to demonstrate our faith, hope and love, we may choose to be lazy in our prayer life and good works.  We can guard ourselves against this sin by prayer and maintain a true understanding of our salvation.  Jesus as accomplished the salvation of humanity, but as individual we must choose every day whether or not we will accept this gift of salvation and show our acceptance by living the power of grace and obedience

Presumption is the sin of false confidence. It negates the virtue of hope becuase it assumes to know for certain what can only be longed for with hopeful expectation.  It can also be a misplaced confidence in God's mercy or our own goodness.  Presumption rears its head in many forms in the modern world such as the following:

1. 'Once saved, always saved".  This philosophy holds that once you have expressed to God your faith in His power to save, the actions of Your life will bear no consequence on your eternal destination.  This form of presumption confuses faith with hope.  Scripture and the Church are quite clear that faith in God is demonstrated by our faithfulness to God and His commands.  In fact, when Scripture speaks of faith, it is often in the context of obedience.
2. "Wishful thinking": this is the modern philosophy that asserts God would not send anyone to Hell or even that hell does not exist.
3. "Pelagianism" This is the old age heresy that hold that we can 'earn' our way into Heaven by our good works irrespective of God's grace.

MAGNANIMITY

Magnanimity is the natural virtue by which we demonstrate our hope by 'thinking big'.  A magnanimous person is one who aims high and is confident of God's ability to do the impossible. The following scripture passages exhort us to be magnanimous in various ways.

• Luke 1:37
• Mark 16:15-20
• 2 Corinthians 1:2-9
• 2 Timothy 1:7

 You may wish to pinpoint how these scripture passages exhort us to be magnanimous.

Hope is also the virtue that enables us to look at death with a proper perspective. During the week, you may wish to consider your previous and present perspective on death and dying and how the virtue of hope impacts on your understanding.  You may be challenged to reconsider your understanding or perhaps change aspects of your life to reflect the use of the virtue of hope in your life.

May God continue to bless us on your journey and increase in us the virtue of Hope.

.

Genesis Series: chapter 23-25

EXPLORING GENESIS’

CHAPTER 23-25

In Chapter 23, Abraham is quite old by now and starts to prepare for his death according to the rituals of the time.  One might be tempted to this is a origin of pre-paid funerals!  However, in chapter 24 before his death Abraham sends his servant to the country where his kinsfolk dwell in order to find a wife for his son Isaac. It was the beautiful Rebekah, granddaughter of Abraham’s brother, who provided the servant with a drink on his arrival; the servant recognised in his a sign from heaven: this young woman was the one destined for his master.  The servant is introduced to Rebekah’s family and asks her in marriage for his master. 

The Hebrew tribes see Rebekah as a model wife, as was Sarah, Abraham’s wife and as will be Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob.  The liturgy of the Nuptial Mass presented them as examples for the new bride ‘May she be as loving to her husband as was Rachel, as wise as was Rebekah, as faithful throughout life as was Sarah.

We are also told of the death of the patriarch in only a few verses. He was buried beside his wife in the case of Makpela, the ground that he brought in Canaan, showing that already at the time of the death of Abraham the promise of the land is beginning to be realised. Rebekah gave birth to twins Esau and Jacob.  Without any merit on his part, Jacob will be preferred to his eldest brother Esau who becomes the ancestor of the Edomites.

We see the life cycle occurring- birth and death. Have you ever noted in families how there always seems to be a birth or an imminent one at a time of death?  It seems to be God’s way not only to provide the next generation but as it is so aptly stated in Chapter 24:67 ‘Then Isaac took her into his tent.  He married Rebekah and made her his wife.  And in his love for her, Isaac was consoled for the loss of his mother.’

Opening Prayer Series: 13th Sunday of Year

Opening Prayer Series:

 

the Mass; Opening Prayer Series.

OPENING PRAYER

The Opening Prayer of the Mass for the 13th Sunday of the Year reads  as follows:

Let us pray 

(that Christ may be our light)

Father,

You call Your children to walk in the light of Christ,  
Free us from darkness, 
and keep us in the radiance of Your truth.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible for my life during this week, the following reflection questions emerged:

1. What does it mean to me to be a child of God?
2. How will Christ be my light this week?
3. What prevents me from hearing Christ's call to walk in His light?
4 Name the areas in my life which need illumination of Christ's light?
5. What are the areas of darkness from which  I need Christ to free me?
6.What is the radiance of Your truth? 
7. How does the radiance of Your truth impact on my life? What changes will I implement?

GOSPEL REFLECTION

In today's Gospel, Jesus challenges us with our commitment to discipleship. Discipleship also comes at a cost- we must be prepared to renounce ourselves and carry our cross every day.  We need to be totally committed to our relationship with God and not make excuses, even if they seem genuine at first glance.

Let us renew the life of God within us this week and walk in the light of Christ. May the words of the psalm be ours during this week 

" You are my inheritance O Lord".

Reflection and Prayer Series: God's Streams of Mercy.

REFLECTION AND PRAYER SERIES

My reflection and prayer series is about sharing reflections and Prayers which have impacted upon me and have provided food for thought. I hope that they will also nurture your soul and spirit. I acknowledge the author when it is known, whilst others I am unaware of the author.

If you missed the previous posts in this series, why not take a look.

My tenth post in this series is called:

GOD'S STREAMS OF MERCY

Life's struggles won't impede God's streams of mercy

If we trust His love to always may a way.

And His Spirit will flow out from us to others

If we keep our eyes on Jesus day by day.

May we journey by the streams of God's mercy throughout this coming week.

The Virtue Series: Hope Part 1

THE VIRTUE SERIES

HOPE PART 1

The theological virtue of hope is the virtue that provides us with confidence that God will do as He has promised.  God's most important promise to us is our salvation-life in Heaven, enjoying His presence in eternal happiness.  He has promised us eternal life if we believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus, and persevere in our commitment to Him.  We are the pilgrim Church on the journey.  When we hope, our pilgrim journey of life is given meaning and death becomes the doorway to eternal life.

The virtue of Hope  bridges the gap between the other theological virtues of faith and love.  Hope is delicately tied to faith as its source, because we hope in what we believe.  Hope looks forward to its goal- perfect love in union with God. The following scripture passages gives us some further insight into what hope is, describe this virtue and its connection with the other theological virtues.

• Romans 5:1-5:Hope is the virtue given us by God's love.  It is a gift of God to believe in Him and be at peace with Him.  Because of the gifts of faith, hope and love, we hope to share in the glory of God in eternal life.
• Romans 8:23-25: Hope is looking forward that which is unseen and believing that what is unseen will be accomplished.  Again, we hope because we believe God and know that He loves us.
• Hebrews 10:19-24:It is the firm assurance that what God has promised will be done.  We Hope becuase we believe and abide in God's love.

The virtue of Hope differs from mere 'wishful thinking'. Hope is the confident assurance of what will come to pass because is based in faith and looks toward love as its goal.  Wishful thinking is fundamentally different as its basis is our thoughts only, and its goal is not union with God.

Hope therefore by definition looks forward to something. The object of our hope is highlighted in these following scripture passages:

• Romans 8:18-25: The object of our hope is our salvation and the redemption of all creation.
• John 14:1-6: Jesus explains to his disciples about Heaven and desires that they believe in His words and place their hope in the home He is preparing for them. The object of our hope is living in our home in heaven with God forever.
• Titus 3:3-7: the object of our hope highlighted in this passage is eternal life.
• Revelation 21:1-4: the object of hope in this passage is life with God in Heaven and having eternal rest.

It is clear then from the scripture passages highlighted above that the object of hope is clear- salvation and living with God for ever in Heaven.

How do we possess and nurture the virtue of hope?  A deeper prayer life is the fruit of hope, and prayer nourishes the virtues of hope. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

". When Jesus prays, he is already teaching us how to pray. His prayer to his Father is the theological path (the path of faith, hope, and charity) of our prayer to God. But the Gospel also gives us Jesus' explicit teaching on prayer. Like a wise teacher he takes hold of us where we are and leads us progressively toward the Father. Addressing the crowds following him, Jesus builds on what they already know of prayer from the Old Covenant and opens to them the newness of the coming Kingdom. Then he reveals this newness to them in parables. Finally, he will speak openly of the Father and the Holy Spirit to his disciples who will be the teachers of prayer in his Church".(para 2607) 

In prayer we acknowledge God and our dependence upon Him, and look forward to eternal life. It is also true that only way to grow in the theological virtues is by the grace of God, which we can ask for in prayer.

The following passages from scriptures encourages us to prayer more in the following ways:

• Jeremiah 26:12-14: God hears our prayers and desires to reveal Himself to us.
• Matthew 7:7-11: God answers our prayers. He is a loving father who gives us good gifts.
• John 1:5-7:We desires for us to hope in Him. If we ask ask to grow in this virtue, God will give us the desire of our heart.

On a personal note:

I have been writing this series early in the week- life became more complicated this week.  I will endeavour to write Hope Part 2 early next week. Please accept my apologies if you are following the series and were disappointed that there was no post early in the week.

Next week Hope Part 2.

Growing in relationship with God as Father

Growing in relationship with God as Father

'FATHER GOD'

Every now and again, I buy a book which I find to be a gem because  I read it  a number of times  over a number of years and still get so much from it each time I read it. I refer to this type of book as a ‘journey’ book in that it seems to be a type of book that 1 could re-read in months or in years to come ,and tap into the issues on a different level again and it would meet me on my journey.  It is also the type of book that I could use quite profitably over a number of weeks in my personal reflection time with the Lord.

One of my journey books which I read again some time ago, and have recently reviewed again for my spiritual growth is The Father Heart of God by Floyd McClung. 

Although I found this book to be pleasant reading, it was also profound in content, personally challenging and a source of healing as it brought me into the journey of going deeper into relationship with the Father’s heart.

I found that the book profoundly moved me into action in regard to:

·                     A thorough examination of my relationship I have with my own father (and father type figures)

·                     A review of my relationship with Father God.

·                     An overview of my life looking specifically at how I have been hurt and how these hurts have blocked the Father’s love.

·                     A deeper awareness of my responses to these hurts- how I have dealt with them in the past and how I would deal with them now.

·                     A thorough examination of my capacity to forgive and all that it entails as a Christian. 

·                     A review of my capacity to deal with disappointments.

In tackling these issues, a spirit of negativity could have become overwhelming.  I soaked these questions and issues in prayer. Thankfully, I sensed God’s blessing, so tackling some sensitive areas was a positive and healing experience.  As the author rightly reminds us ‘ it is not enough to know about God but to enter into relationship with Him.

Chapter 3 which dealt with the ‘Waiting Father’ was particularly intense and as I read it, I realized that I had been touched deeply and given me fresh insight to God’s love for me, and his longing to forgive me. I gained from this insight into the Father’s heart. 

Each of the chapters in the book has offered me lot of food for thought. By personalizing the issues in each chapter, I feel that I have benefited from this book, because I feel that it has brought me closer in my relationship with God.  In dealing with some of the issues already cited above, it has made me more aware of my own fragility and has paved the way for a deeper conversion of heart. 

In this season of Ordinary Time,  it is worthwhile to review our relationship with God. I hope that my thoughts in this post provide food for thought and encourage you to nurture your relationship with Father God.

Feast of the Birth of John the Baptist

WITNESS OF FAITH

Whether we use modern day heroes or heroines or saints and holy people, humanity needs a model on which to emulate one’s life especially in difficult times.  When our faith is tested, we as Catholics should look to the witnesses of faith. 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

"It is then (in difficult times) we must turn to the witnesses of faith: to Abraham, who "in hope... believed against hope"; to the Virgin Mary, who, in "her pilgrimage of faith", walked into the "night of faith" in sharing the darkness of her son's suffering and death; and to so many others: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith." (no 165).

Today is the Feast of the Birth of John the Baptist. His parents obviously took an important role in his birth. I wish to focus my thoughts on them on this feast.

Our model is Jesus Christ, but apart from those witnesses of faith already mentioned by the Catechism, mentioned above, we also might look to Elizabeth, a woman of faith who may inspire and support us in our faith journey. In Luke 1:5-66, we are introduced to Elizabeth who was remarkable in faith, and known to us as Mary's cousin.

ELIZABETH

Luke describes the spiritual lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth as righteous, blameless and obedient to all the Lord's commandments.  This is important to realize because Elizabeth was barren, and to have children was considered a blessing from God.It was indeed a great pain for both Zechariah and Elizabeth to be barren.

However, Elizabeth responded to the promptings of the Holy Spirit by trusting the workings of God and expressed her faith loudly.  She believed that Mary is the mother of the promised Messiah ('mother of my Lord') and unabashedly proclaimed this truth with great joy. Elizabeth also proclaimed Mary is blessed because of her faith in God's ability to fulfil His promises.

ZECHARIAH

We are also told in this story after Zechariah is struck dumb that the neighbours and relatives weigh in on what the child is to be called- ' after his father', which was the tradition.  Elizabeth must have believed what Zechariah had told her about his experience with angel Gabriel and in her own heart, believed the words of the angel even though she did not have the direct spiritual experience.These aspects demonstrated Elizabeth as a woman of faith because she:

• Believed God could reveal to her His truth through the workings of the Holy Spirit.
• Believed that God was conceived in the womb of Mary.
• Believed the words of the angel Gabriel spoken to her husband.

 What do we know about Zechariah?  He too wanted to have children and had obviously prayed about it because we are told in scripture that the angel  told him  'his prayer had been heard'. Zechariah 's faith was tested. He wanted to know how it could come about since he was an old man. When he was struck dumb, it must have been difficult for him, but it provided an opportunity no doubt for reflection on what he could not understand. Zechariah's doubt that he was to conceive a child with Elizabeth was at a human level understandable. At another level, God had given him many blessings and we are told in scripture that 'when much is given, much is expected’. It seems that this was why he was struck dumb.

What lessons can we learn from Zechariah and apply to our lives? 

1. Doubting what God has revealed to us is unwise. God really does know and act in our best interests.
2. God is patient with our doubting, and allows us to communicate our feelings and concerns.  We need to surrender our doubts to Him. 
3. Reflect on our doubts and difficulties first and then like Zechariah, do what God asks of you.

ELIZABETH AS A MODEL FOR TODAY.

How can Elizabeth be a model for us as a woman of faith and be applied to our own lives?  It seems to me that Elizabeth's life was one filled with faith and hope.  I can learn from her to be sensitive to the workings of the Holy Spirit and to believe Him when He works in my life.  Elizabeth's example also teaches me to trust in the wonderful power of God to accomplish what He has promised.

May both Zechariah and Elizabeth support you in our journey of doubt and faith.

 Who will you choose as a model of faith for your life?

About the Mass Series: The Mass and its Jewish roots.

ABOUT THE MASS SERIES.

THE MASS

OVERVIEW PART 3

More than any other sacrament, the Eucharist reveals the Jewish roots.  How is this shown?

Well, first the Jewish synagogue service traditionally centred around listening to the word of God read from the scriptures.  Prayers, singing, chanting and homily supported that central action. Those at the service experience the presence of the Lord in the written word.

The early Christians, who were also mostly Jews, attended the synagogue services until they were regarded by other Jews as unfaithful to tradition and were stopped from attending.  This led the Christian Jews to adopt and adapt the Synagogue service to suit their own needs and they used it as an introduction to their own Eucharistic meal.

The Eucharist was instituted at the Last Supper.  Meals such as the Last Supper played a very important part in the life of Jews at the time of Christ.  The meal, especially the family meal, was very important form of worship and could be steeped in ritual.  Often bread and wine played a central part in these meals.  And ‘giving thanks’ was generally the theme surrounding the meal.  

At the Last Supper, Jesus celebrated a typical community meal with his friends.  Thus, when he told his friends to share bread and wine, he was not asking them to something strange or uncommon.  Asking them to do it in his memory was the unique part.

These two elements of service and meal were brought together by early Christians and became the central parts of the Mass.  We know them as the liturgy of the Word and liturgy of the Eucharist.

On the day we call the day of the sun, all who dwell in the city or country gather in the same place.  The memoirs of the apostle and the writing of the prophets are read, as much as time permits.

When the reader has finished, he who preside over those gathered admonished and challenges them to imitate these beautiful things.

Then we all rise together and offer prayers for ourselves… and for all others, wherever they may be, so that we may be found righteous by our life and actions, and faithful to the commandments, so as to obtain eternal salvation.  When the prayers are concluded we exchange the kiss.

Then someone brings bread and a cup of water and wine mixed together to him who preside over the brethren.  He takes them and offer praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and for a considerable time he gives thanks (in Greek: ‘eucharistein’) that we have been judged worthy of these gifts.  When he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings all present gives voice to an acclamation by saying: Amen’.

When he who presides has given thanks and people have responded, those whom we called deacons give to those present the “eucharisted” bread, wine and water and take them to those who are absent.

This completes the posts on the overview of the Mass.  Next week, I will commence Section 2- Preparation for Mass.

Genesis Series: Chapters 19-22.

EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES

 EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES.

THE BIBLE: EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES ICON

 

Chapters 19-22.

In these chapters we read about the earthquake, which destroyed several cities around the Dead Sea.  Starting from this fact, the author expanded his account.  God intervenes to punish the proverbial immorality of these towns.  Lot is saved, together with his daughters.  Through his daughters he is the ancestor of the Moabites and the Ammonites, the enemies of Israel.

In chapter 21, God is faithful to his promises.  When she is far advanced in years, Sarah becomes pregnant.  Her son Isaac is the child of the promise.  

Then comes a chapter we are more familiar with hearing at Mass- chapter 22, which is the Sacrifice of Isaac.

One last time the faith of Abraham is put to the test.  God asks him to offer his only son in sacrifice.  Abraham’s faith and obedience are absolute.  The narrative condemns the sacrifice of children which was the custom in Canaan, and it established the ritual prescription of the redemption of the first-born children of Israel by a sacrifice; like all first fruits, the first-born belong to God and they must not be sacrificed by redeemed by a sacrifice.

This chapter is important because the Fathers and the liturgy saw in this sacrifice of Isaac the type of the passion of Christ, the only Son.

John 3 and Romans 8 exemplify this view. 

Abraham gives us the example of obedience.  We may wish to pray to ‘our father in faith’, so that we too may be given the grace to break the resistance of our erring wills and to follow through all circumstances the straight line of God’s commandments.