We begin with the fact that the Mass is a sacrifice. In a sacrifice there
are two elements: the outward sign and the interior dispositions of heart.
The outward sign is there to express the interior and perhaps even help
it. But without the interior, the outward is of no worth. God once
complained in Isaiah 29:13: "This people honors me with their lips, but
their hearts are far from me." The outward sign at the Last Supper was the
seeming separation of body and blood--bread and wine. On Good Friday it
was the physical separation of body and blood. In the Mass it is the same
as it was on the Holy Thursday.
We may participate in both aspects. Our participation in the exterior sign
consists chiefly in our answering the prayers, singing, and other
externals. Unfortunately, many today think that is all or the chief thing
in participation. We recall again Isaiah 29:13. Our interior participation
is the essential: It means that we join our interior dispositions to those
of Jesus on the altar. His dispositions center in His obedience to the
Father: cf. Romans 5.19: "Just as by the disobedience of the one man, the
many were made sinners, so by the obedience of the one man, the many will
be constituted just." At the Last Supper He said: "Do this in memory of
me," precisely so we could join with Him. He desires that the offering be
that of the whole Christ, Head and members. We are the members. How do we
carry it out? One way would be this: before the Mass take a few moments
to think back to what I have done since the last Mass, in obeying the will
of the Father. If I have done well, I have something to join with His
obedience. If some things are poor, I add apologies. I could also look
ahead to the time soon to come, and sometimes I will see something in
which I do not like to obey. I ask myself: Do I really mean to obey? If
not, this is not the place for me.
It is precisely at the time of the double consecration, which expresses
the obedience of Jesus again, that I should join my offering of obedience
to His. Of course, this can be extended somewhat, but that is the
essential moment. I prepare for it in advance.
What of the kiss of peace? It is an optional part--the rubrics in the
Missal say it is used or not used according to the custom of the place.
It is good if done correctly. In some places it is done to excess.
There is a variety of spiritual attractions. Not all are moved by the same
things in the same way. There are two levels of principles in the
spiritual life. The basic level is that which no one can violate without
taking a loss. But there is room for great variation on the secondary
level. Compare for example St. Francis de Sales with St. Benedict Joseph
Labre. Therefore in matters of the second level, even though one thing may
be objectively better to have than not to have-this is true of the kiss of
peace if done rightly--we need to respect the differences in people.
Charity calls for that.
REVERENCE AT MASS
1. Why do some not show signs of reverence at Mass? It may be that they
have deep interior reverence, but do not show it. Some are more
demonstrative than others. But it is also true that respect for the
Blessed Sacrament is far down today. Some even leave at once after
receiving and go out. They should learn that Holy Communion is not like
magic--we must cooperate with it. John Paul II, in His first Encyclical,
"Redemptor Hominis," #20 said this: "Without this constant renewed effort
for conversion, partaking of the Eucharist would lack its full redeeming
effectiveness, and there would be a loss, or at least a weakening of the
special readiness to offer God the spiritual sacrifice." That is, frequent
Communion may not only not bring any gain, but may cause spiritual loss if
one does not work at it-preparation and thanksgiving. The Real Presence
lasts as long as the species of bread last. That may be about 15 minutes
after the time of receiving. Therefore there should be special
thanksgiving and reflection during that precious time.
2. Why do some not show a communitarian type of attitude at Mass? There is
as said before a variation in the graces of different people. Not all can
profit equally from all external means.
