The first procession during the entry of the Celebrant, the congregation sings. That singing is a ‘Welcome’of joy because Christ Himself is arriving amongst His own people. On arriving at the altar, the Celebrant kisses the altar and during Solemn celebration, even incenses the altar. Because the altar is consecrated and represents Christ Himself, besides being the table on which He is to offer Himself as Sacrifice for us, as the High priest of the New Covenant, for our Redemption.
The incense is a symbol of our prayers that floats up, goes up to heaven, as a sweet odour offered by all participating in the Sacrifice. Mass starts by the Sign of the Cross, which is a remembrance of our baptism, and a declaration of our belief. That is the reason why after mentioning the three persons of the Trinity, we all answer, “Amen”, which means, “ we believe in what you have declared.” When the Celebrant says,”The Lord is with you.” That is not a greeting of welcome, BUT he would be confirming the presence of the Lord amongst us.
After having declared our guilts and offences, with the words: “Lord, have Mercy,” then, “Christ, have mercy, and finally “Lord, have mercy” ….a reference to the Blessed Trinity, we praise God by reciting the Hymn of “Glory be to God…” This is an old Hymn of praise, giving glory, praise and thanksgiving to God. The first time this Hymn was sung was on The Birth of Jesus, by a choir of Heavenly Angels. The “Collect”, as the word indicates is an invitation to the congregation to offer a personal prayer in silence. After a short pause, the celebrant offer his prayer and those of the congregation.
The “Ambone”…Vatican Council II, declared that Christ is present in His Word, because it is He who speaks during the Readings from the Holy Scriptures. I am here referring to the ‘Liturgy of the Word’ which includes, the two Readings, the Responsorial Psalm, the Gospel, the Homily, the Creed and the Bidding Prayers. Through His Word, God will be speaking to us, His people, by showing us the Mysteries of Salvation, and offers us His Body and Blood as food. The word “Ambone” is derived from the Greek word ‘Ambo’ which means ‘a rising in the earth, a high place, a hillock’, because Jesus used to go on a high place to talk and teach the people. That is why the ‘Ambone’ should be shown great respect and used with dignity, reserved solely for the Word of God. It is first table from which we receive our sustenance, the second table is the altar. ……/7.
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