Wednesday Liturgy: Follow-up: Explaining the Mass
ROME, JAN. 23, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Answered by Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university.
After our reflections on explaining the Mass within Mass (Jan. 9) some readers asked if the homily could be used to explain some aspects.
While it is generally recommended that the homily be based on the readings, this is not an absolute rule. The homily may also occasionally focus on one of the liturgical prayers, such as the collect, from the feast or occasion being celebrated. Or it may even be used to explain other elements of doctrine, liturgical theology, and the meaning of the parts of the Mass.
If this can be integrated with the readings of the day, all the better. But this is not always possible. At the same time I would be hesitant to depart from the readings on a regular basis as this could weaken the faithful's understanding of the importance of God's Word within the overall structure of the celebration.
I personally prefer using the commentaries for such explanations. They are usually closer to the actual moment in which the rite being explained is to be carried out, and this is generally more effective.
Helping the faithful gain a deeper understanding of the Mass is a pastoral necessity. Decisions as to the best means (commentaries or homilies) to achieve that goal are also pastoral and may differ from place to place.
Several readers asked if there are any recommended resources to help people understand what is going on at Mass and the meaning of the various rites.
Although I do not know any source capable of answering all possible questions -- if there were, my task would be a lot easier -- I can recommend a couple of fairly recent books that would help both the inquiring layman and the priest in search of concise explanations.
Father Jeremy Driscoll's "What Happens at Mass" and Scott Hahn's "The Lamb's Supper" are both excellent and accessible introductions to the Mass that complement each other very well.
Another interesting, albeit more technical, source is Father Jovian Lang's "Dictionary of the Liturgy," which offers concise definitions and illustrations on a wide range of liturgical topics.
After our reflections on explaining the Mass within Mass (Jan. 9) some readers asked if the homily could be used to explain some aspects.
While it is generally recommended that the homily be based on the readings, this is not an absolute rule. The homily may also occasionally focus on one of the liturgical prayers, such as the collect, from the feast or occasion being celebrated. Or it may even be used to explain other elements of doctrine, liturgical theology, and the meaning of the parts of the Mass.
If this can be integrated with the readings of the day, all the better. But this is not always possible. At the same time I would be hesitant to depart from the readings on a regular basis as this could weaken the faithful's understanding of the importance of God's Word within the overall structure of the celebration.
I personally prefer using the commentaries for such explanations. They are usually closer to the actual moment in which the rite being explained is to be carried out, and this is generally more effective.
Helping the faithful gain a deeper understanding of the Mass is a pastoral necessity. Decisions as to the best means (commentaries or homilies) to achieve that goal are also pastoral and may differ from place to place.
Several readers asked if there are any recommended resources to help people understand what is going on at Mass and the meaning of the various rites.
Although I do not know any source capable of answering all possible questions -- if there were, my task would be a lot easier -- I can recommend a couple of fairly recent books that would help both the inquiring layman and the priest in search of concise explanations.
Father Jeremy Driscoll's "What Happens at Mass" and Scott Hahn's "The Lamb's Supper" are both excellent and accessible introductions to the Mass that complement each other very well.
Another interesting, albeit more technical, source is Father Jovian Lang's "Dictionary of the Liturgy," which offers concise definitions and illustrations on a wide range of liturgical topics.
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2:06 PM
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