I am the Good Shepherd. I know mine and mine know me. -John 10:14
For the next 26 Sundays, we will sharing the different parts of the Mass to highlight what we say and do in the Holy Mass and why we do it.
We now shift from a tone of repentance to a prayer known as the ‘Gloria.’ This prayer is typically sung, but it is no ordinary song. It is the opening line of the words sung by the angels over the fields of Bethlehem, announcing to the shepherds the good news of God’s birth.
Read MoreThe ‘Lord Have Mercy’ is also known as the ‘Kyrie Eleison’ in Greek. While the Kyrie is primarily an expression of repentance, it also can be seen as a petition, a prayer representing the cry of God’s people for assistance in their lives.
Read MoreThe next part of Mass is the prayer known as the “Confiteor” or “I confess...” The practice of confessing one’s sins is seen throughout the Bible. So just as the early Christians confessed their sins before partaking of the Holy Eucharist, we do the same.
Read MoreThe priest says, “The Lord be with you." We, the congregation, respond, “And with your spirit." This is no ordinary greeting. It announces the reality of Jesus' presence within our church community of believers assembled at Mass and expresses the profound reality of God's life dwelling within our soul by virtue of our baptism.
Read MoreThe Sign of the Cross are fifteen words which begin the Mass. "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". It is not simply a way to begin praying. It is itself a powerful prayer meant to pour out tremendous blessings on our lives. It is a sacred tradition that goes back to the early centuries of Christianity when this ritual was understood to be a source of divine power and protection.
Read MoreThe word ‘Mass’ comes from the word Missa meaning dismissal/sending. This points to how the Mass ultimately should be seen as a sending forth. We are going forth to fulfill God's will in our daily lives
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