From a first time, active participant EF Mass attender this past Sunday at 2:00 PM!
Wow! I have to admit I liked the EF High Mass! It felt awkward at some moments and I did get a little lost after the Credo...but eventually I got back.
I loved the singing of the Gospel, the silence and slow pace, the sound of the language.
I liked the homily. Do you always tie in the other readings?*
Lastly, receiving communion was intense. I could go for that always. It was very reverent and I felt vulnerable and submissive. Being fed and feeding oneself is very different. Moments like that helped me begin to understand the spirituality of the Mass.
These are my initial thoughts. I experienced it very deeply and found the role of the priest as guide and instrument more humble than I imagined.
I realize this is kind of selfish, but I would miss being the lector on occasion. I like proclaiming!
I think making the EF Mass available is good, but not all the time. I imagine you must be exhausted afterward; even if it is prayer and spiritually energizing it must take a lot of concentration and energy.
(*Editor's note: I don't have time to create two homilies when I celebrate the EF Mass which has a different lectionary than the OF Mass, but I was able to tie the Widow of Naim into my homily and then make reference to the Gospel reading of the OF Mass on which my homily was primarily based! Yes, I'm in favor of using the OF lectionary at the EF Mass for continuity sake and also the use of lay lectors! In this area, I think the OF could and should exert an influence on the EF Mass!)
10 comments:
"Lastly, receiving communion was intense. I could go for that always. It was very reverent and I felt vulnerable and submissive. Being fed and feeding oneself is very different. Moments like that helped me begin to understand the spirituality of the Mass."
EF or OF makes no difference, receiving Communion PROPERLY will do more for the Salvation of Souls, and THAT'S what it's all about. Communion in the Hand Standing is the second greatest Heresy foisted upon us by the "Spirit of Vatican II".
"I think making the EF Mass available is good, but not all the time."
I'm confused why...
-L
-L,
First timer is probably still in culture-shock.
anon at 7:44
I hope Firrst timer will come back. If we really want more people to attend it seems to me we should encourage people as they learn not comment as if we are holier. I hope First timer is not reading these comments they are kind of smug.
Thanks Fr for sharing this. Some of the observations give me food for thought. I had not thought about receiving communion as being submissive and being fed. Sounds like first timer had a very mystical experience and your reverence and prayerfulness helped.
I was a first timer 3 years ago, I still get a little lost depending on how far away I sit from the Altar, but can assure the the first timer the feeling of reverance and awe never goes away. After 1 year of attending there was a time when I could not, and went back to the NO accross the street from me. I was shocked. It had not changed but I had. Now I make the 45 minute trip to the EF all the time. Ad Orientem being the thing most missing at the NO. If that would change then most other things would naturally follow. To express the continuity between the two forms of Mass, Ad Orientem should be mandated for both.
Didn't mean to come across as smug. Just recognizing the vast difference between the OF and the EF.
It is painful for me when I cannot go to the EF. It's actually been an excrutiating 7 or 8 months since I've been able to attend.
If First Timer is in anyway offended, my apologies. Culture shock was merely a statement of a condition. I've been there, done that.
My first EF, only a year and a half ago, was also unusually spiritually moving and,yes,shocking. This blog didn't exist then and I had no one to talk to about it.
Hopefully First Timer will post here and talk more about his/her experience.
While Templar is a bit notorious for coming across as smug, he usually has some good points.
Thanks anonymous for the slap on the wrist though. We needed it.
There was not an unusually large attendance at the EF Mass this week, as a matter of fact I've seen more before. However, it seems that many special mystical somethings happened. It was a special day and I know that many people experienced turning points, including me.
Let's do our part by spreading the word. Then, bit by bit, we'll see the pews get filled more and more.
Fr., we hope you're basking in the afterglow.
anon at 7:44
I appreciate the encouragement and the concern. I am pretty thick skinned!
I was prepared for the culture, but not my reaction. I expected to be less impressed.
My concern with having the EF mass celebrated more often has to do with Father's ability to celebrate another mass, especially of such intensity. He would need to find some way to balance all that is demanded of him. I was struck by the difference in his presence as presider. He seemed more prayerful and focused...which drew me into the prayerfulness and holiness of the experience.
As for receiving communion kneeling and on the tongue, I was very moved. I resisted at first feeling very insecure and awkward. Then I felt moved to overcome my insecurity and be open to kneel and be fed . I have only received on the tongue once before. I am a post Vatican 2 cradle Catholic. I understand the "proper" way...I also understand what I have always known and now I know what I have been missing.
This is enough for now.
I didn't mean to be offensive either. Sorry for anyone offended. It just seemed to be an odd statement next to the 'how cool!' feeling I got from the post. I've only been to EF once and I enjoyed it, but I have to admit not being able to understand the Latin was really difficult for me.
I agree about taking the Eucharist by mouth- I love it. I do normally at mass, and I've gotten to kneel at one EF mass and at my wedding mass. I loved that! I wish we had that option weekly!
Sorry again if my question was not well put! I'm glad First Time enjoyed it!
-L
Notorious for being Smug?
Apologies, twas never the intention I assure you. I speak truth, and boldly so, some may say bluntly, but I believe strongly that it is charitable to do so. My post here was in fact meant to be very supportive of First Timer's statement, hence why I quoted him/her. I felt exactly like First Timer in 2007 and still do today.
At least Anon at 7:44 did see that I make a good point now again. :-D I am passionate about the Liturgy in particular I admit, and if that comes off as smug I apologize and blame the medium of the internet, as cold and impersonal as it is.
Pax Tecum, and no hard feelings.
No offense taken Templar! I appreciate the apologies though. The passion for and devotion to the EF Mass is obvious! I can understand that better now having experience even this one mass.
It is good to have this forum to express oneself about things of faith and the spirit. I appreciate the comments throughout!
I think Fr is a good faciltator and maybe instigator!
Next week or next month I will have to change my Profile name...as I hope to attend when possible.
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