When the hymn begins, we all stand together. Of course, some
people are unable to stand for whatever reason so they may stay seated because
of physical limitations. But our gesture of standing speaks volumes. First, it
is a common gesture for all. We are showing our unity as we stand together. Plus,
standing is a sign of welcoming. We are not only welcoming the priest and
ministers into the room, but we are preparing ourselves to welcome Christ.
At the same time, we sing together the entrance antiphon or
hymn. Not only does this hymn open the celebration, but singing together also
fosters and signifies our unity. Hopefully we notice unity is a big deal. We’ll
see many more symbols of unity throughout Mass.
As we ministers reach the sanctuary, we genuflect to Jesus
who is present in the tabernacle. We recall from last week that genuflecting
shows that Jesus is our king and we believe that he is truly present: Body,
Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Blessed Sacrament that is reserved in the
tabernacle. If the Blessed Sacrament is not present, we would make a profound
bow to the altar. This is because the altar is a symbol of Christ. Furthermore,
the altar is consecrated for the sole purpose of the Holy Sacrifice of the
Mass. In case it is not clear how sacred the altar is, the priest also kisses
the altar.
There is also the option of incensing the altar. We incense
things that are holy to show reverence for them (including the human body at a
funeral). The smoke of the incense rising also reminds us of our prayers rising
to the throne of God in Heaven.
Then the priest leads everyone in the Sign of the Cross. Recall
from last week how the Sign of the Cross speaks volumes. The Cross is the
instrument Jesus used to save us from eternal death, and offer us new life in
Him.
Then, there are some words spoken by the priest in greeting,
and the people respond together, in one voice, once again showing unity. The General Instruction on the Roman Missal (GIRM)
says: “By this greeting and the people’s response, the mystery of the Church
gathered together is made manifest.” So, our little signs of unity here also
point to the unity of the Church throughout the world. That is some 1.2 billion
Catholics worldwide.
Even our moments of silence speak volumes. As the priest invites
all gathered to call to mind their sins, there is a moment of silence to do
just that. Furthermore, we can consciously call to mind that we are in God’s
presence.
In the Confiteor, we strike our breast when we say: “through
my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault,” just like the tax
collector in today’s Gospel. What does that mean? This is an ancient sign of
humility that shows we are sinners, we need God’s mercy and we are unworthy to
be in His presence. Striking the breast can be done very lightly. It is a
symbolic gesture. We are not trying to hurt ourselves.
In some places, the faithful have made the Sign of the Cross
when the priest says: “May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins,
and bring us the everlasting life.” This is a pious action that speaks volumes,
but the Sign of the Cross is not called for here in the liturgical norms. If it
were mandated, it might create confusion with absolution from the Sacrament of
Penance. The GIRM reminds us that this sentence spoken by the priest “lacks the
efficacy of the Sacrament of Penance.” We are required to receive the Sacrament
of Penance at least once a year and any time we are conscious of mortal sin
before we consider receiving Holy Communion. In my opinion, people who make the
Sign of the Cross here should continue to do so.
It is also appropriate for the priest to sprinkle the people
with holy water, especially in the Easter Season. This gesture speaks volumes in
reminding us of our Baptism and all the rich implications that come with being
made sons and daughters of God.
Finally, to finish up the Introductory Rite, the priest
invites all to pray. Before the prayer, we observe silence once again to
consciously remind ourselves that we are in God’s presence. And we can
formulate our own mental petitions of prayer. The prayer the priest says is
called the Collect. Collect looks exactly like the word collect,
and it means the same thing. As the priest is praying it on behalf of the
people gathered, all their individual prayers, hope and desires are collected
and offered to God also.
The priest prays the Collect in the orans position, which is
the ancient prayer position with hands held open and slightly out to the side. Since
the priest is representing the people and collecting all their prayers into one
with the Collect he is praying, it would not be appropriate for any of the
faithful to pray in the orans position at that time. It would diminish the
symbolism of all the prayers of the faithful being collected into one by the
priest’s prayer to the Father.
And the people acclaim together: “Amen.” This shows they
unite themselves to the prayer the priest just made to the Father. And it shows
they make the prayer their own, once again, showing their unity.