Lessons from the Liturgy: Debut Edition

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[As promised yesterday, this is the debut edition of the second of three new columns that will be published on this site.  Whereas "The Catholic Culture Corner" will deal with general themes of Catholic life, this column will focus solely on the Liturgy of the Church, and the lessons that we gain from worshiping in and with Her.  Enjoy!]

Today marks the celebration of the feast day of the Patroness of the Americas, Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Yet, that celebration will not be the focus of this particular column.  Readers can find more information on the culture and celebrations surrounding the amazing apparitions here and here.  The focus of this column (and most future columns) will be on this coming Sunday's Mass, which is the pinnacle of all liturgy in the Catholic Church, its Source and Summit (Sacrosanctum Concilium 10).

In two days' time, the Church will celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete  (Latin for "joy") Sunday .  It is a glorious celebration that is imbued with overtones of hopefulness and, you guessed it, joy.  The lectionary readings, which recount God's previous blessings as well as urge those gathered to look forward to the impending blessings.

The Entrance Song cries "rejoice!" on multiple occasions, and it reminds us, "The Lord is near."  In the Opening Prayer, the celebrant will express that all the Lord's people "look forward to the birthday of Christ" and want to "celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving;" or if the celebrant chooses the alternative Opening Prayer, he will plead with God to "remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope" that the Savior will bring.

The readings from Sacred Scripture continue the same theme.  The prophet Isaiah had great things to proclaim: "glad tidings to the poor," "liberty to the captives," and a "year of favor from the Lord" are among that list.  Further, Isaiah rejoiced "heartily" because God saved him and provided justice to him (Is. 61:1-2, 10-11).  In response to that first reading, the faithful will recite the words of the Blessed Mother: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord," and "the Almighty has done great things for me, holy is his name."  So shall it be when the Savior is born unto us, but to the most perfect degree!

Even St. Paul wrote that the Thessalonians ought to "rejoice always," and "not despise prophetic utterances."  Yes, St. Paul wanted to ensure that his flock remained faithful to the commandments and prophets so as to "be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."  Although he was writing about the Second Coming of Christ, the simple truth remains: God's law and prophecies will be fulfilled; and we must be ready for that moment.

In the Gospel reading, worshipers will be treated to the message of the final prophet, John the Baptist, the one who came to "testify to the light."  St. John's mission was clear.  He was to prepare people for the ministry of the Anointed; he was to go ahead of Him to prepare hearts to receive the fullness of Truth.  And so he did.  Shall we listen to his words?  "Prepare the way of the Lord..."(Is. 40:3; Mt. 3:3; Mk. 1:3; Lk. 3:4).  As we celebrate this particular Mass, we ought to be clearing room for Christ in our souls.

The hope and joy do not end with the Gospel reading, however.  Aside from the wonderful homilies that worshipers throughout the world will hear; aside from the joy-filled Eucharistic Prayer, the message continues.  The Communion Song will calm anxiety within the hearts of the faithful.  "Be strong and fear not, our God will come to save us," we will proclaim!  Finally, the Prayer after Communion will beg for "divine help," mercy, and preparation for the blessed Nativity of Our Lord.

In preparation for the celebration of Holy Mass this Sunday, during one of the holiest seasons of the year, let us all pray to be filled with God's mercy as well as his joy!

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