|
HOLY MASS How to Hear Mass
So great should be your modesty during Mass, that you
should appear insensible to all things exterior and to he
enjoying the visible presence of God. Keep in mind that it
is not the Priest alone who offers the Holy Sacrifice, but
those also who assist at it.
When at Mass as well as at the other spiritual exercises,
stand, sit or kneel in an erect and religious posture, such as
becomes the sanctity of the action. In no place does the
refining and elevating influence of religion show to better
advantage than within the sacred precincts of the House of
God; therefore, the conduct of the Religious must be most
exemplary in the Church. The King, does, indeed, receive
with favor all classes, the rich and the poor, the learned and
the unlearned, but this does not excuse any lack of reverence
in you, if you neglect to follow the custom of the place
where you are.
For the hearing of daily Mass you should form some
special intention and follow some approved method. What should not be our devotion, when assisting at the
Holy Sacrifice of the Altar, since it is really and substantially
the same as that of Calvary! Although the fruit, of His
Holy Passion is found there in its entirety, still our Lord
proportions it according to the dispositions be finds in each
one present. This consideration ought to excite your diligence
and put you on your guard against the danger of fulfilling
this duty through custom or habit. Then, as a Religious, and
a person bound to tend to perfection, you should recall to
your mind the daily immolation of Himself that our Savior
makes, and should every day renew your act of consecration
and immolation to Him.
Finally, as your vocation is to assist
in applying the merits of the Blood of Jesus Christ, you
should not pray for yourself alone, but your prayers should
be animated with an ardent zeal for the glory of God and the
salvation of souls. This three-fold consideration will furnish
you with sufficient matter wherewith to nourish your piety
during Mass. |
|
