Amen

A recent convert to Catholicism from Anglicanism has some excellent advice for celebrants at Mass:

"Please, please, please stop looking at the congregation at the words of consecration, raising the Host and chalice and meaningfuly and punchingly speaking the words to us. The consecration is not a homily. It is part of a prayer that is directed to God! At this point, the normal place for you to focus your gaze is upon the elements themselves. Rest assured. We congregants do not need you to make the words of institution meaningful to us. We already know that they are. When you try to change these words into a short homilette, you only succeed in drawing attention to yourself, and you end making some of us-moi!-terribly uncomfortable. ...

"Stick to the script! I doubt that you have the authority to ad lib at the liturgy anyway, but few priests have the gift to do it well anyway. Say the words that are given to you, exactly as they are given to you. Don't add, don't subtract. Please don't start the liturgy by saying 'Good morning.' Please don't tell us in your own words why we have gathered together for Mass. Just start the Mass and get on with it. The liturgy has its own logic, its own rhythm and cadence. It is one musical composition in the Spirit. Every time you depart from the rite, you disrupt the flow of the liturgy and simply draw attention to yourself and away from the Lord. Preach away at the sermon, with as much enthusiasm and energy you can muster. That is your time. But for the rest of the liturgy, slip back into the role and hide behind your chasuble. The liturgy will carry itself, especially if it is conducted reverently, graciously, prayerfully, beautifully."


Related Posts by Category



Tidak ada komentar:

Favorites