On the question of the bishops and the M.P. I am very glad to hear that some bishops are actively canvassing for priests able to celebrate the Extraordinary Form. And it is excellent to hear a priest who is sympathetic to the issue discuss the practicalities involved.
I tend to agree with him on the question of Low Mass; my idea of it is as something quiet, deeply spiritual, etc but in reality I come away unfulfilled. It could be countered that the Mass is not about me at all but a sacrifice offered to God. But it is meant to offer us consolation as well. Perhaps our world has moved on so much that I no longer "get it". ( There was after all a genuine reason why Vatican II called for a reform of the Missal, even if what we got was nowhere near their intention. )
But above all I hope and pray that we might have as Fr. Ray suggests reconciliation with the Past.
Oh and GET TO WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL ON SATURDAY.
5 comments:
The lack of fulfilment after attending Low Mass is, I suspect, because it is so counter to the Novus Ordo emphasis on following every word of the Mass texts and paying attention to every response, and "doing" so much.
It takes time, and practice, to get acclimatised to the silence of Low Mass, and to learn how to pray interiorly, offering yourself to God along with the priest who is offering up the Sacrifice of the Mass on our behalf, as mediator, in persona Christi.
And even though the Canon is silent, I find that I'm aware of the words of Consecration being said... and I'm aware that Jesus is made present on the altar amid the silence, the same way he arrived when he was born: hidden, in silence, in humility... and I find myself holding my breath, not wanting to break the silence, and wanting to adore...
I think you've hit the nail, I always try and follow every word and action of the priest and find I can not do so, also things unfold so very quickly that I can't even read the right prayers at the right time.
Thank you, you have opened my mind.
It took me a while to "tune in," though I was lucky enough to be drawn to the Low Mass in spite of not being able to follow everything.
Might I suggest that you read through the readings before Mass, as a preparation. Then, instead of trying to "keep up" with the priest as he says the prayers, just read through, prayerfully, the translations of the collects, and meditate on how they can be put into practice in your own life. During the Canon of the Mass, consider how Jesus is putting himself at the beck and call of the priest, for you. No huge fanfare to advertise his arrival, just a small bell... and offer him your life in exchange.
It's one way in.
Another is to take one of the old prayer books, and follow the prayers of preparation for Communion (I could never understand how those prayers could be said just before communion as they were too long... but now I realise that they were supposed to be prayed during the Mass, offered in union with the priest's prayer.
And another is to pray the Rosary, meditating on each Mystery as it applies to the Mass (eg. First Joyful Mystery, the Incarnation, Jesus becomes incarnate during the Mass, it's the same Jesus we receive in Communion... etc.)
Good luck!
Mac's right on.
Thank you Mulier Fortis for your wisdom, I mean that!
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