Did you see that Cardinal Tagle recently admonished his priests not to say “Good morning” to the congregation?
Couldn’t agree more. As the cardinal points out:
“Is not the expression ‘The Lord be with you’ more than enough?”
Exactly right. There is no good reason to detract from the power of that hallowed liturgical greeting with your petty conviviality.
And while we’re on the topic of liturgical unnecessities, here’s another one:
“May the Body and Blood of Christ bring us all to everlasting life,”
said out loud by the priest before reception of Communion. This is to, you know, involve everyone in the priest’s preparation.
Bad idea. The Church gives us a really powerful, really beautiful line before Communion (and by the way, it got better with the new missal translation):
“Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.”
After a stunning line like that, there is no reason to tack on the other thing.
Okay, one more. You sometimes get this before the dismissal:
“Thanks, everyone, for coming out to worship today, and for your great participation in this Mass.”
Memo to presiders: They didn’t come on your account – it’s not your liturgy – and it’s not your place to thank them for having worshiped their God.
Have a blessed Lord’s day, everyone.
awr