Mass Mission

I used to produce the travel show at CNN.   At that time, Travelguide was hosted by one of the network’s meteorologists, Valerie Voss.  I remember asking Valerie how meteorologists forecast the weather.  She talked to me about synoptic meteorology, a method of forecasting large-scale weather systems.  It uses sophisticated satellite imagery, intricate weather plots, complex prognostic charts, and elaborate computer programs to determine things like pressure tendencies, precipitation, air masses, sky cover and wind speed.  But as Valerie said, any good meteorologist will always remember the last and perhaps most important method of forecasting, “Don’t forget to look out the window.”

I often think of this example whenever I reflect on the connection between liturgy and mission.  We make a point of having elaborate liturgies, opulent buildings, lavish rituals, luscious symbols, beautiful music.  But, if we are not looking out the window to see what is happening in the world, and considering how we can connect the radical love we experience in the liturgy to the needs of the world, what’s the point?  

 The last words we hear at Mass, “The Mass is ended... ” translated from the Latin literally mean “Go, you are sent!”    The feast of the Ascension of the Lord celebrates the connection between the work done in the liturgy and the work done in the world.   It is a strong reminder that as Christ has been lifted up, we are sent forth to continue his mission on earth. 

The word synoptic means more than just a way to forecast the weather.  It means to view together or to view at a common point.   The liturgy unites us so that we might view the world together, through the eyes of love and compassion.  Perhaps this is why our Jewish ancestors wrote in the Talmud, “Never pray in a room without windows.”  

O Lord, give us a keen eye to see the needs of the world, and a heart that embraces it all.  AMEN