Author Note: For quite some time this topic has weighed heavily on my heart as I have participated in Masses celebrated in the Ordinary Form in various parishes across different dioceses along the east coast of the United States.
As one that stands 3 feet away from my Priest during the Eucharist your perception changes radically. It is up close and personal, not experienced by the congregation. The holiness and the ritual means so much more. Our altar faces away from the people but they are still witnessing to the holy mystery taking place. I try to tell them of this but they do not understand. Thank you for your column today, I always enjoy your divinely inspired words.
"The celebration of the Mass is not a matter of personal preference, and the sanctuary is not a stage set for a performance. It is the same sacrifice of Christ at Calvary, re-presented upon the altar. Every gesture, prayer, and structure within the liturgy itself exists to protect that which is holy. The sanctuary is a sacred space and the Mass should never be subject to personal idiosyncrasy or individual whims. The focus of the heavenly banquet is the Mystery of the Eucharist, not the self."
Christina,
As one that stands 3 feet away from my Priest during the Eucharist your perception changes radically. It is up close and personal, not experienced by the congregation. The holiness and the ritual means so much more. Our altar faces away from the people but they are still witnessing to the holy mystery taking place. I try to tell them of this but they do not understand. Thank you for your column today, I always enjoy your divinely inspired words.
Regards,
David L. Delich
Senior Verger, St. Philip Episcopal Church
"The celebration of the Mass is not a matter of personal preference, and the sanctuary is not a stage set for a performance. It is the same sacrifice of Christ at Calvary, re-presented upon the altar. Every gesture, prayer, and structure within the liturgy itself exists to protect that which is holy. The sanctuary is a sacred space and the Mass should never be subject to personal idiosyncrasy or individual whims. The focus of the heavenly banquet is the Mystery of the Eucharist, not the self."
Excellent!
So sad. Let us pray for redemption and healing. Thank you Christina.