Fr. Thomas Kocik on the Mass
Taken from Fr. Thomas Kocik’s book – Living and Loving the Mass
About the Mass
Primary purpose of the Mass is not to please us, but to worship our creator.
Mass is a holy exchange. We give ourselves to God in union with Christ’s sacrifice, and God in turn gives us Christ’s very Body and Blood as food for our earthly pilgrimage.
Mass is the Church’s obedient response to Jesus’ command at the last supper: “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19)
The Colors in the Mass
- White
Symbolizes joy and purity.
Occasions: Christmas; Easter Seasons; feast days of Christ, Our Lady, and saints who are not martyrs.
Symbolizes blood, Holy Spirit.
Occasions: Palm Sunday; Good Friday; Pentecost; and Masses in honor of the Holy Spirit and martyrs.
The Introductory Rite and Procession
In the introductory rite, we greet Christ in the person of the priest.
Procession reminds us that we are a “pilgrim” Church, on the way to eternity.
The Sign of the Cross
It means love. It was for love of sinners that Christ died and rose. The cross is the emblem of His redeeming and victorious sacrifice. By making the sign of the cross, we show our acceptance of the salvation won for us on Calvary. No need, then to brood over our sins and failings; rather, resolve to love God more firmly. Sign of the cross also expresses our willingness to take up our “cross” daily and follow Christ (Luke 9:23). It is also a reminder that Christian life is more akin to self-sacrifice than to self improvement.
Gloria
In Gloria, we can find all 4 motives of prayer:
1. Adoration
2. Thanksgiving
3. Petition
4. Contrition
The Gospel Reading
Before the Gospel reading, we sign with a small cross with thumb on our forehead, lips, and chest. It signifies our desire to open our minds and hearts to the good news of the Gospel, and to share that good news with others.
Sermon vs Homily
Sermon: a talk on any religious topic.
Homily: draws its inspiration from the liturgical text and especially from the Scripture readings.
The Communion
Imagine yourself on the paten with the bread, offering to our God your mind and heart, your soul and body, all that you have and are.
Pour out your heart into the chalice with the wine, and put into it all your hopes and fears, joys and sorrows, love and adoration, your whole self.
By eating and drinking His Body and Blood in faith, Christians share in God’s holiness, power, and life.
