Sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist.

Now, after having seen and studied the rites of the different parts of the Sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist, and realized the IMMENSE value of the Sacrifice, we have to admire, in the words of saints and holy people, that the Celebration, the Offering of the Sacrifice of the Mass is the greatest honour, prayer, we can offer to God.

Yet, if we want to share in these merits, we have to participate fully in each and every Sacrifice, from the first Sign of the Cross…to the last Sign of the Cross, in the Blessing of the Priest. That is the reason why in certain solemn celebration, in certain churches, there will be the Animator, from anima meaning soul, to give life . to animate the congregation during the whole Celebration; in singing, prayers and the various movements of standing, kneeling, sitting, etc.

To fully participate we have to find a place where we can see the altar, and follow every move of the Celebrant, from where we can listen to every single word uttered…not hidden behind some column.

It is important that on entering church we should turn off our cellular phones, mobiles. This is part of the Code of Ethics, even when we go the theatre, not to interrupt the proceedings  or the concert. If we are expecting an urgent call, at least, we either postpone the Mass schedule, go to another Mass, or at least sit close to the door and mark the mobile on’ silent’.

This is the reason why the Celebrant, at the very beginning urges us to “Lift up your hearts”, which means, ‘now we have to forget everything, all problems, all thoughts, preoccupations, appointments..” because NOW we have the most important appointment in our daily life, and appointment with God Himself. We can imagine what preparations we would make if we were to meet the President of the country…now that is JUST a president, a mortal, who now, he / she , is holding the chair of presidency and in few years time, they might be dead. BUT, our appointment now is with the Creator, with GOD Himself…what an honour.

We participate to the full when we follow the directions given by the Rubrics of the Liturgy, we stand when we welcome Christ in the person of the Celebrant, or when Christ will be addressing us during the Gospel , there’s a time when we should sit, or kneel in Adoration, or sing praises, or shake hands….and the rest.

About the Sign of Peace, the late, beloved, John Paul II, in his Instruction for the Mass told us that we are not obliged to give the Sign of Peace to the whole congregation, we will be causing confusion, we are obliged to give the Sign of Peace, to those on our right and left hand side, only.

After the Homily, and after receiving Holy Communion, we are to keep some moments of silence…to meditate on the Homily, and afterwards, to have a chance for a short dialogue with Jesus, heart to heart.

This is the only way we can assure  ourselves of gaining the merits oll the instructions for the various movements during the Celebration.

Let us ALL celebrate the Sacrifice of the Eucharist in a most fitting manner, with dignity, as deserving to God, and His Son, who has redeemed us through His Passion, Death and Resurrection….. till the day….  and what a D-Day it will be, when we shall participate in the Lamb’s Supper, face to face with HIM.

Final Talk on the Sacrificc of the Eucharist. Amen.