Together on the Journey: A Weekly Word from Archbishop Hebda
No, I’m not talking about football – as big as that was for my family growing up, nor the Puppy Bowl counterpart that, beyond all reason, has returned for a 21st year. As Catholics we know that the Mass is the biggest event each Sunday – and not unlike a big game, the outcome can greatly depend upon the time we take to prepare.
Of course, our Bountiful Lord bestows grace on His Church at each Mass, and that doesn’t depend on our disposition or preparation. But by “tilling the soil” (Mark 4:8), we can allow those graces to take root and to flourish in our lives in a way that will carry us through our interactions the rest of the week. I’m inspired by the many who have shared with me the ways that they prepare for Mass. Some read and reflect on the Gospel of the day in advance. Others make extra effort to arrive early so that younger children can get some wiggles out and hearts can begin to quiet in anticipation of being in the Lord’s presence. I know that some families begin their preparations at home as they put on their Sunday best, the ecclesiastical version of the game-day jersey. There’s a young girl at the Cathedral who is always encouraging me to notice her father’s Sunday cologne. While a splash of Hero by Burberry might not make us more receptive to God’s grace, it is a wonderful reminder for that young girl that the Lord’s Day is different from any other and that what happens at Mass is special.
I’m always grateful for the way those who volunteer at the Mass aid us in entering into this mystery. I think of the lectors who proclaim God’s Word with understanding and ardor, the cantors and musicians who lift their hearts and voices to God – and inspire others to do the same, and the extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion who distribute the Eucharist with reverence so that the faithful may partake in the true Body of Christ. It was a joy to spend a morning with many of you who participated in those liturgical ministries earlier this month, at the first of our Ars Celebrandi workshops focusing on the “art of celebrating” the Mass. That same workshop will be held again on March 1 at St. Therese in Deephaven. If you serve in any of those liturgical ministries – or are involved in OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) – I invite you to join me that day for Mass and for an opportunity to explore why your role is so important in our celebrations. As our Holy Father says, “The Church evangelizes and is herself evangelized through the beauty of the liturgy” (Evangelii Gaudium, 24).
When we were discerning our focus for our pastoral letter’s Year 2 implementation, which hinges upon inviting all the faithful to “offer their very selves in the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass,” I knew that reclaiming Sunday would be key. A Sunday well-celebrated does just that first by orienting our lives in worship of the Lord (who in turn gifts us with our “daily bread”) and then by directing our day to the important tasks of rest, fruitful leisure and time with loved ones.
We are blessed that Dr. Michael Naughton and Dr. Pam Patnode will be offering “In Defense of Leisure” presentations across our archdiocese to help us understand the “why” and “how” of keeping Sunday holy. As Dr. Naughton observes, “If we don’t get Sunday right, we won’t get Monday—or any day of the workweek—right.” Two events are being held this month – on Feb. 13 and 20 – and I encourage you to join.
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