keep your mind on the Mass

By Liz Wiskowski

How well do you know and feel the Mass?

      First of all, don't come late. It is better to come 5 or 10 minutes early and quietly to prepare for the greatness of the Mass. Don't talk and visit with your neighbor in church. Be respectful of God's house. When you come in, use the holy water fonts to remind you of your baptism. Remember to genuflect, for Jesus is present in the tabernacle. When Mass starts, we ask for God's forgiveness. Listen carefully to the readings. After the priest reads the gospel, in his homily, he will explain it to us and how we can apply these lessons to our lives. This part of the Mass is called the Liturgy of the Word.

      Next we have the profession of faith, the Creed. This is a summary of what the Church believes. We have the petitions. This should unite all of us, praying for our needs and the needs of others. We have the preparation of the gifts, which are placed on the altar, and we pray that they will be acceptable to God.

      The Eucharistic Prayer is next. The most important part of this is the consecration when the bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ. When the priest uses Christ's own words from the last supper, the priest is Christ personified (acting in persona Christi). Do you remember the Mass being called the sacrifice of the Mass. It is true. We are at Calvary, at the foot of the cross. Think about this.

      We pray the Lord's prayer, asking for God's nourishment and forgiveness in preparation for communion. We offer each other the sign of peace, and remind ourselves that the body and blood are truly the "Lamb of God." As you receive communion, please do so reverently. If you receive on the hand, immediately place Jesus into your mouth, don't carry Him back to the pew. When the priest says, "The body of Christ," respond with "Amen," which means 'I believe.' If you have a serious sin on your soul, don't go to communion until you first go to Confession. To receive the body and blood of Jesus is the greatest gift we can receive. When you get back to your pew, spend a few moments thanking God.

      The Mass ends with a final blessing and the words, "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord." Please don't leave early-- This is an insult to our Lord. It is a good idea to spend a few extra moments thanking God for what we have just received and witnessed.

      I have only touched on the main parts of the Mass. Every prayer, every gesture has a very special meaning. Pay attention, and be a good example to your children and everybody else. God bless us all.