With his baptism of repentance, Jesus of Nazareth began his public ministry, and his work of bringing redemption to the people of the Covenant and to the whole of humanity. On this Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord, we complete the Christmas season and begin "Ordinary time", a part of the liturgical year that is dedicated to the basics of discipleship.
What are the basics of discipleship? That's a subject for the rest of our lives on this earth. But I would like to write about one dimension of discipleship this Sunday, our public worship... the Divine Liturgy... holy Mass. I offer these reflections, hoping to assist us in our desire for renewal. I write these words without anger or judgment. Why these comments? Liturgical prayer is at the center of our lives as disciples and as members of this worldwide Catholic Church. Though SJN prays wonderfully as a family, I am hopeful that we can enter more deeply into this great mystery of the Presence of the Lord.
As you enter the worship space (the current church and the future worship space), each Catholic genuflects toward the Tabernacle, as a sign of reverence for the reserved Eucharist, kept there for the needs of the sick and shut-in. Each of us should genuflect on two occasions each Sunday: on entering the worship space and on exiting the worship space. For those of us with knee and joint problems, a profound bow shows the same reverence. You show your respect and love for the community by wearing clothing that is clean and appropriate for worship. It doesn't have to be fancy, only respectful of others' sensibilities and of our purpose... the worship of God.
After getting settled in your pew, each of us to called to prepare our minds and hearts for worship... for the experience of his living Presence, in Word, in community, in holy Eucharist. Obviously, turning OFF cell & texting phones is a first step; but after that, to kneel and ask the Lord to allow this hour of worship, for our own blessing and for the blessing of all. This is where we ask for the gift of a listening heart, turning "off" any issue that might keep us from hearing and sensing the Lord's Presence. I would lovingly suggest that children (and all) make sure all is taken care of before being seated, so that you are not leaving our public worship before the final blessing. When I was a boy, it seemed that very few had to leave the hour-long service for bathroom or other breaks. In our day, it seems that some leave regularly, as a part of their experience at Mass. Again, there is no anger here, just a reporting of how things are with us in our day.
Once the Word of God is being offered in proclamation, we should seek to be attentive to that proclamation. Some might need to "read along" to assist with a hearing or learning issue; but most of us should face the one proclaiming the Word of God, and with mind and heart opened in preparation, receive the Word of God, directed personally to each of us by the Holy Spirit. If for some reason you happen to arrive after the Proclamation of the Word has begun, I would hope that you would wait to be seated, out of respect for the community already seated and listening to the proclamation.
After the homily, we stand and profess our faith. This is a powerful sign of being connected to the full expression of the Church... scattered throughout this good earth. Then, with our General Intercessions or Prayers of the Faithful, the priest or deacon or minister voices the prayers for the whole community, asking for blessing.
As the Altar is prepared for the Anaphora (the offering), our Ushers take up your gifts of treasure. When the gifts of unleavened bread and wine and water are brought down the aisle and given to the presiding priest, please know that along with those simple gifts, our whole lives are also part of that offering. Please listen with mind and heart to this whole Anaphora. For, as the priest prays the words of the offering, it is in the very Person of Christ that the priest speaks.
We come forward with reverence and with joy, to receive the Bread of Life, the Cup of our Salvation. Though all know this central tenant of our faith, let us remember clearly that it is not a "what" but a "who" that we receive in Holy Communion... a communion with the Lord and with one another, as members of his body on earth. Just before we are to receive the gift of "God with us"... the living bread, we each are to bow our heads (as the person in front is receiving), as a visible sign of our interior reverence for the gift.
After receiving holy Eucharist and thanking our Father for this heavenly bread, we will hear needed announcements; then, after receiving the final blessing, we will be sent out as evangelists, to proclaim the new Way of Life, experienced in and through the Lord Jesus.
These are just a few reminders of how powerful holy Mass is meant to be. I would ask each of you: sing with all of your heart; respond with strength to the prayers and proclamations; listen attentively, seeking renewal, seeking His Presence; pray for one another, and leave our public worship as ambassadors of Christ, and as the family of SJN.
Msgr. David Talley
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