About the Mass Series: Preparation for the Mass Part 2

ABOUT THE MASS SERIES

The Mass: About the Mass Icon.

HOW WE PREPARE FOR MASS

Well, we have arrived at Church.  We probably talk to other parishioners as we are coming into the narthex (foyer/porch of the Church).  This is good preparation because (apart from the social aspect) it helps us to remember we are a community of faith, pilgrims on the journey towards Heaven together.

What about Jesus?   Do we give Him enough time before Mass to ‘have a chat’ and prepare our hearts for this great event in our week? We need to respect people's desire to speak with Jesus before Mass (e.g. by going outside to speak with other parishioners rather than standing in church chatting and making impossible for others to pray). When a parishioner comes and talks with you, are you prepared to say 'let us go outside and have a chat so others can pray'? 

When we come into Church, we usually make the sign of the cross (bless ourselves) at the Holy WaterFont. Have you ever wondered why? 

The sign of the Cross is the seal placed on our foreheads at Baptism and shows that we belong to God.  Blessing ourselves at the Holy Water Font is a timely reminder as well as giving us an opportunity to adore this one God, yet three persons.  Remembering our deceased loved ones and all the holy souls in Purgatory as we bless ourselves with holy water can provide them with relief and comfort too.

Then we choose a seat, but before we get into it, we genuflect to Jesus in the Tabernacle using our right knee. The word genuflection comes from two Latin words: genu meaning knee, and flectere meaning to bend. For older people or for those in pain, bowing the head toward the tabernacle is appropriate.  However, when Jesus is exposed in the monstrance, we genuflect by adoring Him on both knees (if possible)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) tells us:

‘In human life, signs and symbols occupy an important place.  As a being at once body and spirit, man expresses and perceives spiritual realities through physical signs and symbols.  As a social being, man needs signs and symbols to communicate with others, through language, gestures, and actions.  The same holds true for his relationship with God’. (p. 297 Para 1146)

And finally we get into the seat and begin to prepare our bodies, minds and hearts for our Sunday Mass- the soul of our week.     How is YOUR preparation for Mass?