When is the birthday of the Church?

I have noticed that people tend to speak of the "birthday of the Church" at Pentecost? However, is this the case? In the Roman Missal the preface for the feast day uses the expression: "as the Church came to birth" rather than "was born." This speaks to me of the idea that the Church is being born in an ongoing manner, as new members are added through baptism. It can also take into account the pre-existence of the Church in the Second Person of the Holy Trinity and to be in line with Jesus Christ being the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13: 8). 

Furthermore, when we think of Our Lord, his birth is when, as it states in the creed, "he became man." This is not the case for the Church. In fact, with Pentecost it can be said that "she came to birth in the Spirit." As the Second Eve she finds her origin from the side of Christ and is joined to him in a common life "consortium totius vitae" as the Bride of Christ sharing in his ministry, Proverbs 31: 10-31 and Ephesians 5: 22-33, and is being continually renewed in time.

A suitable text for this idea might be: "The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; and as is the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven." (1 Cor 15: 47-49)

This sense of becoming is also evident in the preface for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We read there: "For today the Virgin Mother of God was assumed into heaven as the beginning and image of your Church's coming to perfection...". The Church is a "work in progress." She sees in Our Lady the fulfilment of what she will become when, as we read in Lumen Gentium, 2:

He (God) planned to assemble in the holy Church all those who would believe in Christ. Already from the beginning of the world the foreshadowing of the Church took place. It was prepared in a remarkable way throughout the history of the people of Israel and by means of the Old Covenant. In the present era of time the Church was constituted and, by the outpouring of the Spirit, was made manifest. at the end of time it will gloriously achieve completion, when, as we read in the Fathers, all the just, from Adam and "from Abel, the just one, to the last of the elect," will be gathered together with the father in the universal Church.

The danger of people contemplating the Church as being "born" or having a "birthday" is that they are going to fixate on the institution of the Church by the Lord in time as a solely historical event to which they are the heirs. The anamnesis of the Eucharist and Pentecost is a present reality which challenges the disciples to actualize the life giving action of the exitus and reditus of the Holy Trinity in their own time as you described in the perichoresis. 

Since the Eucharist is the memorial of the whole of Christ so too the life and nature of the Church embodies, albeit deficiently in her members, that reality. To this end the story and doctrine regarding Our Lady is the only true picture of what God wants for the Church as a whole. The feast of the Assumption can be seen as a Pentecostal event as lowly Miriam of Nazareth, through the power of her Son's resurrection, shares fully in his victory through the Holy Spirit. She realizes the destination of her humble faith by being crowned Queen of heaven and earth. Pentecost has approximately one hundred and twenty fearful and lowly individuals, transformed and infused by the Holy Spirit, to become a sign and sacrament of God's salvific power manifested in a community, the People of God, recreated perennially by Baptism and the Eucharist.

Feast of the Assumption of the BVM

 The Marian dogmas of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) from 1854 and the Assumption of the BVM in 1950 are the only times that popes have used their power to declare infallible doctrine. Catholics are required to give their consent to these doctrines as being an objective and constitutive part of the Catholic faith. Many non-Catholics will not even have heard of these things. Yet, these doctrines speak of profound truths regarding the person also known amongst her other titles as Mary of Nazareth, most likely a teenager, living in Nazareth from sometime before 4BC. She exclaims: "Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me" (Lk 1: 48-49) and indeed, on this patronal feast of New Zealand, we do call her blessed. Pope Pius XII summed up the mystery in this way: "Hence the revered Mother of God, from all eternity joined in a hidden way with Jesus Christ in one and the same decree of predestination, immaculate in her conception, a most perfect virgin in her divine motherhood, the noble associate of the divine Redeemer who has won a complete triumph over sin and its consequences, finally obtained, as the supreme culmination of her privileges, that she should be preserved free from the corruption of the tomb and that, like her own Son, having overcome death, she might be taken up body and soul to the glory of heaven where, as Queen, she sits in splendour at the right hand of her Son, the immortal King of the Ages." (Munificentissimus Deus, 40)

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 The episode we hear today is found only in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew. Furthermore, it is only in Matthew that the Lord says: "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Mt 15: 24) I think that the Matthean community needed to hear this message. As a mixed community of Gentiles and Jews, which is apparent from elsewhere in the Gospel, the revolutionary idea that both Jews and Gentiles could be united as Christians in the new Law, based not on Moses but on the Sermon on the Mount, was a challenge. As we heard last week St Paul was mindful of the priority of the Jews in the history of salvation: "They are the Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises, to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah..." (Rm 9: 4-5) It remains that the offer of Christ is available to them, as we hear in the Solemn Intercessions on Good Friday: "let us pray also for the Jewish people, to whom the Lord our God spoke first... graciously hear the prayers of your Church, the people you first made your own may attain the fulness of redemption." The woman begs: "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter tis tormented by a demon... Lord, help me." (Mt 15: 22 and 25) To the Jews, Jesus acknowledges their ancient Covenant: "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs" (Mt 15:26) while to the Gentiles the Lord responds to their faith: "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." (Mt 15: 28)

Instructions for Laity Attending Mass

 

A Priestly People – Participation in the Mass 

In Preface I of the Eucharist for Sundays in Ordinary Time we hear:

For through the paschal Mystery, he (Jesus) accomplished the marvelous deed, by which he freed us from the yoke of sin and death, summoning us to the glory of being now called a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for your own possession, to proclaim everywhere your mighty works, for you have called us out of darkness into your own wonderful light.

Recently Fr Paul Turner, an expert in the liturgy, came to speak to the clergy of the Palmerston North Diocese about how best to preside at Mass. His clarification of the liturgy has implications for everyone as they participate in the holy sacrifice, which is the Mass. To this end I provide an instruction to assist Mass attendees in their understanding and participation in the Mass. The laity are truly a priestly people and need to fully participate in the Mass according to their priestly dignity, founded in baptism and confirmation.

1.  Baptismal Dignity

Our participation at Mass is an obligation and privilege given through baptism and confirmation. It strengthens our communion as Catholics gathered in “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Those who are baptized cannot participate in ministries. They should not do readings, prayers of the faithful, take up gifts at the offertory, act as altar servers or, in fact, pray the prayers of the Mass. It is only through baptism that we can cry out “Our Father.”

Those who are baptized but are not in full communion with the Catholic Church can perform some roles related to the ministry of the Word since we share it with them. They are not permitted, as a rule, to participate in those actions and roles associated with the Holy Eucharist since the unity asked of us by the Lord (see Jn 17: 21) is yet to be perfected. Bishops, priests, deacons, minsters and congregation members all have their own function and way of participating which has its own standing which should be respected.

This aspect of the liturgy needs some nuance when schools and colleges are involved. Nevertheless, baptism is a crucial aspect of our Catholic life which his implications in how we participate in the worship of the Church.

2.   Unity of Posture

Unity of posture speaks of the unity of the People of God. It is obvious that all cannot stand or kneel the same due to their health or stage of life. Nevertheless, as a rule, everyone should strive for unity, according to the instructions given in the liturgy and the laws of the Church. This does not mean our participation is to be mechanical as we realize our need to embody the truths we speak and hear.

3.   Preparation before Mass

As a priestly people, the baptized are required to be present for the whole of the celebration. Parishioners are urged to strive to be on time for Mass so that they can prayerfully prepare themselves for the liturgy. This is best done in a prayerful silence in the main body of the church. Those wishing to converse with others are best to do this outside or in the gathering area which is designed for this purpose. All Mass attendees, even if they arrive late, should be in the main body of the church to be united in the one Body of Christ. Fasting at least one hour before Mass can prepare us for the sacrament and make us mindful of the holiness of the gathering.

4.   Processions

The procession at the start of Mass is representative of the congregation as a pilgrim people. Processing with dignity, ministers, servers and clergy arrive at the sanctuary. They perform a profound bow together with the priest. Those holding candles and processional crosses do not need to bow at this point or genuflect if there is a tabernacle in the sanctuary. Throughout the Mass anyone coming forward to perform a ministry bows to the altar or, in the case of the servers, when they interact with the priest. The tabernacle is not acknowledged again until the conclusion of Mass.

5.  Posture throughout Mass

Throughout the celebration posture is governed, as a rule, by a Deacon although in his absence the priest will act. In general, Mass attendees should be aware of the required posture and act accordingly. When the presider stands, including when incense is used, all should stand and not wait until the deacon is in front of them. The invocation, “Let us pray” is not an instruction to stand. Rather, it invites us to pray as the words indicate. The posture for the Eucharistic Prayer, in the Diocese of Palmerston North, will be finalized by Bishop John Adams at the conclusion of the consultative process.

6.  Liturgy of the Word

The First and Second Readings, along with the Psalm, belong to the laity. The Gospel is proper to the clergy, especially deacons, as well as the homily. Readers bow to the altar as they come forward to proclaim the Word. All actions take place with suitable dignity and pace so that everyone understands what is proclaimed. Readers, along with Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, need to be mindful that their attire is suitable to their role even when deputed at late notice. The Alleluia or Gospel Acclamation is always sung otherwise it is omitted,

7.  Mass Parts

The parts of the Mass require the congregation to manifest their priestly dignity, in their baptism, and participation in the Eucharistic sacrifice. They need to be ready to speak from the start of prayers after the introduction given by the priest, “I confess…”, “I believe” and “Our Father” although it is traditional for the presider to initiate the Gloria. The “Holy, holy,” “Acclamation of Faith,” “Great Amen,” “Embolism” after the Our Father, and “Lamb of God” belong to the people and should not be led or spoken by the presider. If required, however, he may prompt the Acclamation of Faith to identify the option all can use.

8.  Silence

Silences are important throughout the Mass. They can take place after the readings, Gospel and homily, and after Holy Communion. The are times for prayer and reflection on what has just been received or done. Ministers or musicians should not pre-empt or prompt the presider but wait until he stands or indicates by other means that the next element of the liturgy can proceed.

9.  Holy Communion

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should not approach the altar as if they were concelebrants. To this end, they need to stand on the side or the foot of the sanctuary, rather than directly behind the altar alongside the deacon or concelebrants. It is appropriate for everyone to receive the Holy Eucharist under both species to reflect the banquet nature of the Mass and the fulness of the symbol. Holy Communion should be received from the altar by those who are present to that sacrifice. It should not be received, as a rule, from the tabernacle. 

1  Reception of Holy Communion

Priests take Holy Communion while others receive it. Only the ordained can communicate by intinction, when they dip the Host in the Precious Blood. Dipping the Host is not permitted by laity. They consume the Host as soon as it is handed to them. Extraordinary Ministers cannot depute one another with chalices or bowls. The posture and mode of reception of Holy Communion is up to the communicant. The standard means is standing and on the hand. This applies also to whether the communicant receives under or both kinds. Extraordinary Ministers say to those who come forward, who are not receiving Holy Communion, the invocation “Peace be with you.”

11 Conclusion of Mass

The people stand when the priest stands. They should not need to use “Let us pray” as a prompt. Notices should be kept short as the people remain standing. Sometimes, there may be longer speeches or presentations which will require for everyone to resume their seats. The presider venerates the altar and the other ministers process out with him after bowing to the altar. Once the recessional hymn is concluded it is helpful for people to depart without too much conversation so that those who are praying in thanksgiving can do so.

 

Feast of the Transfiguration

 It piques my interest that it is only in the Gospel of Matthew that we hear: "... and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white." (Mt 17: 2) In Mark we read: "... his clothes became dazzling white" (Mk 9: 3) and in Luke: "... the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white." (Lk 9: 28) The reference in Matthew, I propose, is connected to a theme of the Gospel with Jesus as the new Moses. Organized into five "books" Matthew's gospel has Jesus handing down the new law from the Mount of Beatitudes. This is the new Law for a new people established by his sacrifice on the cross where his divine Sonship is revealed: "Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, 'Truly this man was God's Son'. " (Mt 27: 54) 

Paul makes the comparison also between Moses and Jesus: "Now if the ministry of death, chiseled in letters on stone tablets, came in glory so that the people of Israel could not gaze at Moses' face, a glory now set aside, how much more will the ministry of the Spirit come in glory?" (2 Cor 3: 7-8) For Paul the veil over Moses face is that of the Law and it is this veil that remains to blind the Jews to the divinity of Jesus, revealed in the resurrection: "But their minds were hardened. Indeed, so to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, the same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds, but when one turns to the Lord; the veil is removed." (2 Cor 3: 14-16) For Matthew, the Law is fulfilled in Jesus: "Do not think I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil." (Mt 5: 17)

The Transfiguration of Jesus, therefore, not only reveals the glory of the Son of Man, but he also fulfils the law and the prophets in his person. Peter, James and John are privileged to see this and Jesus, with his face unveiled, shines upon them such that they will also be ultimately transformed by God's glory: "And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit." (2 Cor 3: 18) The consequence of this is that the apostles experience true freedom: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Cor 3: 17) and, as he preaches to the Galatians: "For freedom Christ has set us free." (Gal 5: 1) The new Moses, Jesus Christ, leads his new people: "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." (Gal 3: 28) in a new exodus: Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure (Gk. exodus) which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem (Lk 9: 30-31). Through his Passion death and resurrection, they will be governed by a new Law, which is founded in himself, and they receive an anticipation of their own risen state: "So it is with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a physical body, it is raised in a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus, it is written, 'The first Adam, became a living being'; the last Adam became a living spirit." (1 Cor 15: 42-25) We can see how the transfiguration leads to the resurrection: "Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead." (Mt 17: 9) The revelation of Christ's glorified body speaks of our own future: "As was the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; and as is the man of heaven. so are those who are of heaven. Just as we have become the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven." (1 Cor 15: 47-49)

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Have you noticed that this episode of Peter, where he asks of the Lord: "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water," (Mt 14: 28) and the declaration of faith: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God," (Mt 16: 16) only occur in the Gospel of Matthew? On both occasions Peter's faith, despite his protestations falls short. In the first case: "... he became frightened and beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord save me!'" (Mt 14: 30) and in the second, shortly after: "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church..." (Mt 16: 18), he fails when he: "... began to rebuke him (Jesus) saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you," only to get the response: "Get behind me, Satan!" (Mt 16: 23) Thus, Peter goes from "hero to zero." How can we make sense of this dynamic in the life of the Church and our own faith journey? I propose we can understand this in terms of the Marian and Petrine aspects of the Church: "'[The Church's] structure is totally ordered to the holiness of Christ's members. And holiness is measured according to the 'great mystery' in which the Bride responds with the gift of love to the gift of the Bridegroom.' Mary goes before us all in holiness that is the Church's mystery as the 'bride without spot or wrinkle.' This is why the 'Marian' dimension of the Church precedes the 'Petrine'." (CCC 773) Our participation at Mass is a social and juridical reality but its orientation and fulfilment lie in the great mystery of God's love and the holiness of the members of the Church, as they imitate Our Lady as the perfect disciple.

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Jesus response to the disciples who perceive a lack of food for the people is to say: "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." (Mtt 14: 16) This seeming refusal reminds me of the Lord's response to his Blessed Mother at the Wedding Feast of Cana. The answer, however, is not a definitive one as it invites a deepening of faith and trust. In both cases, it results in Jesus performing a miracle which far surpasses the expectations of those who made the original request. When we consider our life of faith and prayer, we need to avoid two extremes. On one end, there is the tendency to pietism which results in presumption while on the other, there is activism which results in despair. True trust in God and cooperation with grace results in hope. At Mass Jesus invites us to participate in his offering on the Cross. The bread and wine we bring as gifts looks feeble yet that is what we have been asked to provide. Jesus, as he did on that day, uses our efforts and offering, both temporal and spiritual, to work a miracle. With the multiplication of food the people were fed, with the Mass our sins are forgiven, and we are transformed by the Body and Blood of the Saviour, who multiplies graces and charisms for the benefit of our families and community.