Prepped and Ready | Part 1

LITURGICALLY THINKING: PREPPED AND READY | PART 1

Mass is the most important prayer of the week that we as Catholic Christians participate in. It is here in the Mass that we come face-to-face, and even receive in a most intimate way the “source and summit of our Christian life” in the Eucharist. It is in the Mass that Heaven meets Earth in the celebration of the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. This isn’t a weekly event we should haphazardly meander into. It beckons a certain preparation on our behalf as we prepare for this most awesome encounter. Yes, we commit to an hour fast beforehand, but is there more we can (or should) be doing? Let’s take a cue from the Ancient Hebrew pilgrims. In the book of Psalms we see 15 psalms listed as “Psalms of Ascent.” These were the Psalms prayed by the faithful pilgrims as they ascended the hill to the Temple for their yearly celebrations. The idea of pilgrimage and prayer on a pilgrimage is a strong element that comes to mind. Perhaps our experience of Mass, specifically Sunday Mass, would be enhanced if the moment we crossed the threshold of our home’s door to leave for the church, we began offering prayers to God in preparation for this most intimate and important moment in which we are about to celebrate. Make your car drive to the church a mini-pilgrimage of sorts. Your prayer need not be elaborate. Call to mind a specific intention of your own for Mass. Offer a short prayer. For example: “Lord, open my ears, my mind, and my heart to what You wish to speak to me today in the Holy Mass, and open my mouth to proclaim your praise.” “Lord, as I prepare to meet You in this most holy celebration, help prepare my heart to welcome you." These, other spontaneous prayers, and even memorized, rote prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, etc.) can be effective ways to begin orienting your heart and mind toward Christ and the encounter you are about to have with him

Liturgically Thinking is a series of reflections on the Mass written by Connor Miller, director of music.