About the Mass vol 2: Introductory Rite: The Greeting Part 2.

In last week’s post, I provided an overview of the introductory rite. In today’s post, I wish to explore more fully the texts

With the new Translation of the Mass, the priest now greets the congregation with one of the greetings such as:

'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God 

and the  communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all’

or ‘’Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ’’

or “‘the Lord be with you.’’

Let us examine these greetings:

In the first greeting, there is a change of only one word- from fellowship to communion. The greek translation of the word communion is koinonia, which is used in the New Testaments to refer to the relationship among Christians and to their relationship to Christ in the Spirit. This greeting is scripture based coming from 2 Corinthians 13:13.   

We are used to using the word Communion to refer to Holy Communion. Holy Communion is an act and takes place in the context of communion, which is the Church.  This is important to appreciate  and understand  in the context of why the Church does not allow other Christians to receive Holy Communion.

Let us now examine the Second Greeting

‘’Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ’’

Last week, I commented that this greeting came from Scripture Rm 1:7  and from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians I Corinthians 1:3. However, with further exploration, this greeting is more widespread in the New Testament.  It also appears Cor 1:2, Gal 1:3, Eph 1:2, Phil 1:2, 2 Thess 1:2, and Phil:1:3.  Other places in the New Testament include: Thes 1:1, I Pet 1:2, Rev 1:4, 1 Tim 1:2, 2 Tim 1: 2, Tit 1:4, Jn 1:3.

The Second Greeting seems unusual in its wording in that it has two nouns grace and peace with the pronoun to you in between it.  However, it appears in the New Testament times 8 times in this form, and is a standard form of greeting among Christians in New Testament times.  It appears several times in the letters of St Paul, letters of St John and Peter and at the beginning of the book of Apocalypse.  

When the Scripture was translated into latin, this word order from the Greek ‘’ Grace to you and peace’’  was retained in the latin. This greeting seemed to indicate that it was like a password between Christians.  It was the distinctive Christian greeting.  In other words, using this phase indicated that you knew the language of the Christian community.  When we learn any language, we learn the highly conventional formula for the greeting rather than the spontaneous.  

It is interesting to note that this word order was retained at the time of the reformation when the scriptures started to be translated into the vernacular. Martin Luther, the translators of  both the Catholic version (Dowry) and anglican version retained it.

So, when we hear this greeting used at Mass we may recall that it

• is a scripture based greeting widely used in the New Testament.
• was a distinctive Christian greeting  for Christians in the New Testament. 
• is passed on to us through Scripture providing continuity from the earliest times in the Church.
• can become our own Christian greeting as we own it in our own time. We may choose to use it not only at Mass but at Parish Meetings, Prayer groups and the like, as well as allowing it to echo within our own being in times of great sadness, despondancy, despair and in times of joy and hope.

The priest in the name of Christ is offering us two gifts grace to you  and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is in the inflection of the voice and how it is phrased that we may become more aware of its beauty.  However, regardless of how it is inflected by the priest, let us be thankful for the gifts of grace and peace which comes from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

I will explore further with you the third greeting in my post next week.

Year of Grace Series:Faith and Reason Encyclical: Chapter 1: The revelation of God's wisdom

During this year of Grace, it is timely to consider whether Faith and Reason are interwined or as secular society would like us to believe that Faith and Reason are exclusive.  My purpose for writing this series is to explore this by examining carefully the encyclical  called " Fides et Ratio"- Faith and Reason written by the late Pope John Paul 11. I hope that during these next 8-10 weeks, you may explore with me, find your own answers and be able to communicate the truth to others. I also hope that in studying this encyclical you will be blessed with many graces.

Last week we examined the introduction. For those who missed it, you may like to review it before continuing.  In today's post, we explore chapter 1 entitled  the revelation of God's wisdom.

God decided to reveal himself and to let mankind know what His will was, namely that Christ the Word made flesh enabled mankind to have access to the Father in the Holy Spirit and to share in the divine nature.  God is the source of all love, and thus mankind was sponsored by God in knowing the meaning of life.

The First Vatican Council stressed the supernatural character of God’s Revelation, and reaffirmed emphatically that there exists a faith knowledge surpassing the knowledge proper to human reason, which nevertheless by its nature can discover the Creator.  This emphasis by the Council was to counter the rationalist critique of the time that attacked faith, and denied the possibility of any knowledge which was not the fruit of reason’s natural capacities.

The First Vatican Council taught that the truth attained by philosophy and Revelation is neither identical nor mutually exclusive.  Philosophy uses natural reason and intellects whilst as its source, which Revelation is derived from divine faith, guided by the Holy Spirit, to reveal to man that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who is our salvation.

The Second Vatican Council stressed the salvific character of God’s Revelation in history in the nature of Christ, who is the mediator with God for man’s salvation and at the same time the fullness of all Revelation.

God’s Revelation is immersed in time and history. Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ, the Son of God took flesh to teach men through His words and deeds, His signs and wonders, but especially through His death and glorious Resurrection from the dead, and finally by sending the Spirit of truth. The Holy Spirit is instrumental in helping the Church to discover the contents of revealed truth. The truth communicated in Christ’s Revelation is no longer confined to a particular place or culture, but is offered to every man and woman who would welcome it as the word which is the absolutely valid source of meaning for human life.

Reason before the mystery.

Revelation remains charged with mystery, but it is faith alone that enables us to penetrate the mystery and to understand it coherently.  Faith acknowledges the divinity of God, by His transcendence and supreme freedom.  Faith enables Christians to believe the truth of what is revealed because God, who is absolute truth, said so.  Man and woman can accomplish no more important act in their lives than the act of faith, which gives them freedom to live according to God’s design. Revelation has a sacramental character especially the Eucharist, which under the appearance of bread becomes the body of Christ, our God.  Faith accepts this fact.  Knowledge proper to faith does not destroy the mystery of revelation.

Revelation has set within history a reference point, which cannot be ignored if the mystery of human life is to be known.  However the human mind can never know fully the mystery of God in His infinity.  Nevertheless the human mind can do all in its power to extend the range of its knowledge to understand the implications of Revelation by God.

Christian Revelation, being absolute truth, enables humans to be open to the transcendent whilst respecting their autonomy and their freedom.  God has offered to mankind the possibility of learning about His plan of love for His children from the time of creation.

The Pope concludes this chapter by stating that: ‘the truth made known to us by Revelation is neither the product nor the consummation of an argument devised by human reason. It appears instead as something gratuitous, which itself stirs thought and, seeks acceptance as an expression of love’.

The ultimate purpose of personal existence then is the theme of philosophy and theology alike, which ultimately lead to the full and lasting joy of the contemplation of the Triune God.

Next week: Chapter 2: 

Feast Days: My Darling St Dominic- Happy Feast Day

Today is the feast of St Dominic in Australia, New Zealand and Solomons.  His feast day is celebrated on 8th August, but in Australia, it is celebrated on 5th because Blessed Mary McKillop's feast day is celebrated on the 8th August. However, this year it is being celebrated on the 7th because the 5th falls on a Sunday.  

My darling St Dominic is a real gentleman and does not mind being moved around the calendar. His feast day used to be on the 6th, but that became the feast of transfiguration, then he was moved to the 4th and that became the feast day of St John Vianney, then he was moved to the 8th. Yes, you guessed it, he was moved again- this time for the feast of St Mary of the Cross (Mary McKillop). Finally he was placed on the 5th and low and behold, because it falls on a Sunday this year, it is moved to the 7th for Australia and New Zealand but 8th for the universal church.

Normally, a saint's feast would not be celebrated on a Sunday, since Sunday takes precedence, but being in a Dominican parish, permission has been sought and granted to celebrate it and hopefully it will be celebrated with style.  Tonight the community will sing Vespers (provided they still have the energy  after celebrating all day), which I am sure will be such a delight and something I look forward to sharing. 

We all have our favourite saints.  St Dominic is my favourite saint.  Being in a Dominican parish from the time I was 13 months has contributed to my love of St Dominic. but I have to say that St Dominic has and always will be my ''go to man'' for all my needs whether it be for practical needs such as parking spots or finding things or personal and spiritual needs.  I consider him to be ''my man in Heaven''.  

Every year we have the Novena to St Dominic. I wish to share with you the prayer to St Dominic that we use for the novena to his Feast Day.

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST DOMINIC

O wondrous hope

which you gave to those who wept for you

at the hour of your death,

promising after your departure

to be helpful to your brethren.

Fulfill, father, what you have said

and help us by your prayers.

You who shone by so many miracles

worked on the bodies of the sick,

bring us the help of Christ

to heal our sick souls.

Fulfill, father, what you have said

and help us by your prayers.

Interested in getting to know more about St Dominic and the Dominican Order, then you might like to check these websites.

HAPPY FEAST DAY TO ALL THOSE WHO LOVE MY DARLING ST DOMINIC.

Opening Prayer Series: Collect for 18th Sunday of Yr B

The Collect for the 18th Sunday of Year B reads as follows:

Let us pray,

Draw near to Your servants Lord,

and answer their prayers with unceasing kindness,

that, for those who glory in You as their Creator and guide.

You may restore what you have created

and keep safe what you have restored.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son,

who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God for ever and ever.

In making this prayer tangible, the following reflection questions emerged:

1. Reflect on the value/purpose of prayer.  How do I pray?
2. How does God answer my prayers?
3. How do I feel when I think God is not answering or ignoring my prayers?
4. Am I the creator in my attitude or am I the created knowing God the Father as my Creator and guide?
5. What does it mean to me to be restored by the Creator?
6. What areas in my life do I need to hand over to the Creator for restoration?
7. What area in my life will I ask God the creator to restore and keep safe this coming week?

May the Creator answer your prayers and restore you this coming week.

In today's Gospel from St John, Jesus explains to his disciples and to us the value of the real presence in the Eucharist.  He explains that when we come to Him, we will not hunger and when we believe we will never thirst.  In other words, Jesus will satisfy us completely when we believe in Him.

We too may ask, like the disciples " what must we do if we are do the works that God wants"?

However, the answer Jesus will give us is the same- belief in the One whom He has sent.  In other words, if we truly believe in Jesus, then we will want to do the works that God wants.  Jesus will provide Himself in the Eucharist to nourish and nurture us, so that our tiny seed of faith may be increased, and that we will never be hunry or thirsty. Jesus will sustain us for our pilgrim journey, but we need to take the leap, or even a tiny step toward Him and believe in the One whom He has sent.  Then, regardless, of how small our faith may be, we will do the works that God wants if we believe in Him and be nourished by Jesus in the Eucharist.

Jesus provides us with the opportunity to receive Him every day. Somewhere in the world a  Mass is being offered whether it be day or night and at that Mass, Jesus gives Himself to those who attend.  We may wish to consider the magnitude of such a priviledge to receive Him and review our personal attitude to receiving Him at Mass. We may wish to look at our busy schedules and find time to attend a weekday Mass or as many as we can.  Jesus provides us with the opportunity to receive Him and be nourished so that we do not hunger or thirst.  

Will we accept His invitation this coming week?

Reflection and Prayer Series: Thank You Lord.

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.

My post is called:

                                                               THANK YOU LORD.
 

Thank you for those times Lord,
When you lead me to the mountain to rejoice
Those times You give my heart a song,
My happiness a voice.

May The Lord lead you to rejoice throughout this coming week.

Compendium Series: In what sense is Jesus the only begotten Son of God

83. In what sense is Jesus the Only begotten Son of God”? (CCC 441-445,554)

Compendium states:

Jesus is the Son of God in a unique and perfect way.  At the time of His Baptism and His transfiguration, the voice of the Father designated Jesus as His ‘’beloved Son”.  In presenting himself as the Son who “knows the Father” (Mt 11:27) Jesus affirmed his singular and eternal relationship with God His Father.  He is  “ the Only Begotten Son of God” ( 1Jn 4:9), the second Person of the Blessed Trinity.  He is the central figure of apostolic preaching.  The apostles saw ‘’ his glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father” ( John 1:14).

What does this mean for me?

1. I can thank God the Father for identifying Jesus as the only Begotten Son of God.

2. I can thank God the Father for allowing me to become an adopted child and a beloved son/daughter to Him.

3. I can thank Jesus for coming to earth to save humanity and to share the mysteries of the kingdom with the apostles and through them with the Church.

Questions to consider.

1. How is my relationship with Jesus?

2. How is my relationship with God the Father?

3. What significance does Jesus being the only begotten Son of God have on my status  ie as being an adopted child of God and co-heir to the kingdom?

4.What does it mean for me to know the Father and to know Jesus?

About the Mass vol 2: New Translation: Section 4 Part 1 Introductory Rite.

We have now reached Section 4 of 8 in this series 'About the Mass'. If you have missed the previous posts, why not take a look in the Sacraments category, as although each post is complete in itself, I invite you on the 12 month journey to know and love the Mass.

In Section  4, called the Introductory Rite, I  will discuss the significance of the Greeting, Penitential Rite, Gloria and Opening Prayer (Collect) and the differences in the texts of the New Translation of the Mass. Let us commence with the Greeting.

‘GREETING’.

 

Mass begins with the Cross-Bearer, Altar Servers, Commentators/Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist and the celebrant (priest who will preside at Mass) processing down the aisle, while either a Processional Hymn or Entrance Antiphon is sung or said.  When a Commentator is present, he/she usually provides an introduction before the Procession commences. It is a wonderful opportunity to listen carefully to these introductory comments, participate in the Processional Hymn or Entrance Antiphon as fully as possible because each help to focus our awareness on the themes of the Mass and draw us to God.

When the celebrant reaches the Sanctuary, he genuflects to the Tabernacle as a mark of reverence to Christ, then, when he reaches the altar, (originally a flat-topped marble block for offerings to Deity) he kisses it as a sign of reverence to Christ as His sacrifice on Calvary is made present to us.  Engraved in the marble altar are five crosses, which represent the five wounds of Christ.  In every altar, there are relics of saints placed in it.  The altar cloth is usually white, but may also be an appropriate liturgical colour.

Then when he approaches the celebrant’s chair (usually a different but comfortable style of chair-not for the priest’s comfort but to represent Christ in our midst), he gives the greeting.  He used to greet the congregation with the Sign of the Cross and the one of the greetings such as:

'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all’ or

‘The Lord be with you’.  We reply ‘And also with you’.

With the new Translation of the Mass, he now greets the congregation with one of the greetings such as:

'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the  communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all’

or ‘’Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ’’

or “‘the Lord be with you.’’

Let us examine these greetings:
The first greeting has a change of only one word- from fellowship to communion.  Communion of course means in unity, so with this greeting, it expresses more effectively the equality of Father, Son and Holy Spirit- three persons One God. This greeting is based on the final words of St Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians chapter 13:vs 13 (Cor 13:13).  

The second greeting is also taken from scripture- Romans chapter 1:verse 7(Rm 1:7)  and from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians chapter 1  verse 3 ( I Corinthians 1:3).

The third greeting appears in scripture 4 times as a greeting or encouragement namely: in the book of Judges chapter 6:12, Ruth 2:4, 2 Chronicles 15:2 and Luke 1:28

The reply we now use “ and with your spirit” needs some investigation also. It is

1.  a Scripture based reply. It is inspired by 2 Timothy 4:22, Galatians 6:18, Philippians 4:23 and Philemon 25. In almost every case, St Paul addresses  the words to the Christian community.

2. a closer translation of the Latin ‘’Et cum spiritu tuo’’.

3. a closer match to the response that already exists in most other major languages including Spanish, French, Italian and German.

4. richer since its purpose is not just to say hello or good morning. It is meant to remind us that (a) we are entering into the sacramental realm and (b) remind us of our responsibilities during this time we will spend in prayer.

The two parts of the greeting given by both the priest and the people express a desire that the Lord be present to the spirit of the entire community. Based on Paul’s letters, the priest’s line could imply “ the Lord be with your spirit” and the people’s reply is a natural reciprocation “ and with your spirit”.

Regardless of which greeting the priest chooses, the purpose of the Greeting  is to (a) establish the dialogue between priest  and people and (b) the interdependence of the priest and the people as they take up their roles to praise God.

How many times do these words occur during the Mass? Notice too how the celebrant extends his hands as he says these words, as he is greeting us in the name of Christ. Then he usually gives some introductory comments about any themes of the readings, which can help us to draw more fully to and sharpen our awareness of themes in God’s Word.  This first part of the Introductory Rite, known as the Greeting, is quite important for us, helping us to centre our attention on Christ, yet it can pass over us so quickly.

How well do You focus during the Introductory Rite?