THE POWER OF SIGNS & SYMBOLS. In reflection #9 on Pope Francis’ 2022 Apostolic Letter, ‘Desiderio Desideravi,’ Latin for Jesus’ preLast Supper words: “I have earnestly desired [to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.”] [Luke 22:15], we consider the ‘Art of Celebrating’ required of all who take part in the Sacred Liturgy. ‘For past articles in this series on the three-year National Eucharistic Revival [this is article #38!] and the Holy Father’s Letter, visit our Parish website.
The next and last part of ’Desiderio Desideravi’ deals with the ’Art of Celebrating.’ While this applies primarily to the Ordained who lead the holy Mass and, to a lesser extent, to the Deacons, Readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Ushers, Altar Servers, Music Ministers, Sacristans, etc., who have a special role in the Sacred Rites, it applies to all who participate in holy Mass in any way. I begin with three reflections on three different experiences I had over the years of ‘not-so-ideal’ holy Masses. [The names and places have been changed to protect the innocent – and the guilty!]
In the years after Vatican Council II, innovation and experimentation were out of control. I attended a Retreat at which the Priest celebrated holy Mass – but not in the order I – nor the Roman Missal – knew! I needed a scorecard to check off each part of Mass to make sure we covered them all! No one knew what to do … or what was coming next! On the other hand, I ‘watched’ a holy Mass at which the Priest, who was so fearful of forgetting or failing to keep any rubrics, he never engaged anyone in the celebration! [That’s why I said I merely ‘watched’ that Mass …for I did not feel as if I had truly ‘participated’ in it, due to his ‘personal’ display of piety.]
The third experience, which all of us have probably had, is that of participating in a Mass or other Sacred Rite conducted in another language – or in which the Presider had a heavy accent, rendering most of, if not all of it, difficult to understand, if not totally unintelligible. That we are disappointed when this happens is a great sign: for before the reforms of Vatican II, we were content to pray the Rosary or do our own thing as the Priest prayed the prayers of the holy Mass!
In Seminary formation for Priesthood, we have in-depth studies of the biblical basis of our Rituals, their historical development which always remain true to the original form, and the symbolism behind every action, its purpose and intent. We are warned of the damage we can do by ignoring or misinterpreting rubrics. And we
are reminded of the need to constantly update ourselves with the Church’s latest adaptations and emendations of the prescribed rubrics. We are invited to clergy meetings and are emailed any updates or changes to our Rites. And as I mentioned last week, all people are strongly encouraged to update themselves by using all the means the Church provides for our ongoing, never-ending Faith Formation. I strive to do my part, and hope you strive to do yours!
Since I began with three less-than-ideal examples of holy Mass, let me end with what is, for me, one of, if not the most magnificent celebration of the entire year: Holy Thursday’s Mass of the Lord’s Supper. What makes it so great? It is the only Mass permitted that day, so it brings out the ‘cream-of-the-crop’ of our four weekend Masses.
Since it is not a holy day of obligation, no one is there to simply fulfill a requirement. Everyone actively participates; the singing literally rocks the rafters! No one leaves early. [There’s no collection, but I’m sure that does not matter!] We pull out all the stops; no short forms are used; we opt for every option; we sing whatever can be sung. Although the Mass is far longer than almost any other Mass, no one complains; in fact, many are amazed at how quickly the time goes. At Holy Thursday’s Mass, I am most keenly aware, as I lift up everyone in prayer, of being lifted up by them. It is truly a communal celebration!
While not every celebration can be as uplifting and exemplary, we must all try to be more prepared for, more attentive to, and more participatory in the Sacred Rites. What will YOU do to make our weekly worship celebrations a union of heaven and earth, of God and His People, of the Risen Lord and His Disciples, of the Holy Spirit and His Temples?
With God’s love and my prayers,
Very Rev. Michael J. Kreder, VF, KCHS