April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
PERSPECTIVE
Sacred silence: a proposal
In church, we should talk to God. The time before Mass is well spent in prayer, not idle chatter. This isn't my idea; it is what the Church asks of us. In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, we read, "Sacred silence also, as part of the celebration, is to be observed at the designated times. Its purpose, however, depends on the time it occurs in each part of the celebration.
"Thus within the Act of Penitence and again after the invitation to pray, all recollect themselves; but at the conclusion of a reading or the homily, all meditate briefly on what they have heard; then after communion, they praise and glorify God in their hearts.
"Even before the celebration itself, it is commendable that silence be observed in the church, in the sacristy, in the vesting room and in adjacent areas, so that all might dispose themselves to carry out the sacred action in a devout and fitting manner."
This is what the Church recommends to us in order that the Mass might be most beautiful and bear the most fruit in our souls.
What does one do with the silence? Before Mass, we might spend time silently reflecting on the blessings of the past week for which we wish to give God thanks: the blessings of health and family and friends; of having work and having good things happen to us at work; of passing exams or winning an important game.
Then, we might consider our failures: how, despite the blessings God has given us, we still sin. We ask for God's forgiveness for our neglect of prayer; for ignoring opportunities to extend charity or forgiveness to others; for selfish thoughts, words and deeds.
Next, we might ask God for anything and everything we need. We pray for the needs, too, of the larger community, such as peace in the world, respect for life, cures for diseases that cause suffering to people we love or people whom we do not even know.
If one arrives to Mass early enough, there will then be time to meditate briefly on the Scriptures that will be read during the Mass or to meditate on the Passion of Jesus, which the Mass makes present. (The Rosary is an appropriate prayer to prepare for Mass, precisely since the object of it is meditation in the mysteries of the Savior's life, death, and resurrection.)
With all of this to bring to the Lord, who could possibly have time for trivial conversation?
Some ask whether conversation before Mass helps to build community. Rev. Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum in Rome, wrote in a 2004 column for Zenit (news) agency, "Before Mass, there should be a general atmosphere of silence. This does not exclude a quiet word of greeting, a nod of recognition or a friendly handshake among parishioners. What should be avoided is the steadily rising hum of multiple conversations in the pews, often on frivolous themes, interrupted only by the announcement that the celebration is about to begin."
Sometimes, I know, parishioners ask one another for prayers before Mass. This is a good thing! But other times, the conversation is trite. Once, I recall hearing two women discuss the guest on the David Letterman show the previous night! Isn't community more effectively built if we sit together in silence, aware of one another's presence and needs, and praying for those around us?
Our homes are often noisy; our schools and workplaces are often noisy. Even in what should be the serenity of nature, there are often distractions such as the roar of a distant motorcycle, music blaring from a nearby car, a fire signal or a train!
Many believers have a reasonable expectation that at least in church, they might enjoy peace and quiet - not for its own sake, but in order to hear the voice of God, whom one Scripture suggests speaks to us in whispers, not shouts.
Enjoy one another's company and fellowship! In these beautiful days of latter summer, why not spend some time visiting outside or in our parish hall? Visiting one another, too, is good and holy - but there is a time and place for everything. Immediately before and after Mass, our time in church is better spent in silence.
At St. John the Baptist parish in Greenville, the Rosary has begun being recited at 8:30 a.m. to foster the spirit of prayer before Mass. Following the Rosary, in the minutes before Mass, please do your best to enjoy a period of silent prayer. God bless you!
(Father Flannery is pastor of St. John the Baptist parish in Greenville and Sacred Heart in Cairo.)[[In-content Ad]]
250 X 250 AD
250 X 250 AD
Events
250 X 250 AD
Comments:
You must login to comment.