Vatican II at 50 - Preparing for Liturgy
“And we just came from church!!” These caustic words would come from my mother when my brother and I would fight soon after Mass had ended. My mother was reminding us that the act of liturgy, the act of God’s love should change us. We should be, as the dismissal reminds us, “Going forth, glorifying the Lord with our lives,” not fighting. The Church believes we should have a proper disposition when we leave the liturgy. But the Church also calls us to have the same kind of disposition when we come. As the Liturgical Constitution, Sacrosanctum Concilium reminds us,
In order that the liturgy may possess its full effectiveness, it is necessary that the faithful come to it with proper dispositions, that their minds be attuned to their voices, and that they cooperate with divine grace, lest they receive it in vain.” #11
The Church is telling us that Mass begins long before the first note is sung. Mass begins with the proper attitude--when we come with hearts peaceful enough to pray, with minds focused enough to listen, with spirits hungry enough for God. This can happen in many ways. Here are a few suggestions:
· Read and discuss the readings before Sunday’s Mass.
· Make the time before Mass as stress-free as possible by allowing yourself and/or your family enough time to get to Mass.
· On the way to Mass, think about all for which you have to be thankful.
· When you get to Mass, welcome any newcomers you might notice.
· Reach out to someone you know who is going through a tough time.
