Jesus likewise issues clear directions when he institutes the Eucharist at the Last Supper. What does it mean that God commands this of us? How do we respond in obedience to God? And how can our worship be centered on God — how can it be Christocentric?
We often speak of liturgy as work we do on behalf of others — but it’s really the work of Christ on behalf of others, and we unite ourselves to this saving work of Christ. So how does that happen? And how are we fulfilling the command of God in doing this?
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As a pastor, I built on one important foundation: No one wants irreverence. The faithful might not always recognize what’s reverent and what’s not, but no one wants irreverence. The point of the “active participation” in the Mass is prayer. It is worship. And whatever fosters an interior life of prayer is what builds up the Church.
Let me confess to you, my brothers and sisters: some of this was selfish. I wanted to be able to actually pray at Mass — not be irritated during it. What many people don’t realize is that for a priest, offering the Mass is the highlight of the day — really, the highlight of our life. But to do it well, a priest must be able to pray — and that requires silence in the liturgy.
I had the joy of attending the Pascha — their Easter Vigil — at Columbus’ Eritrean Catholic church. It was beautiful. I knew nothing of the language, but that didn’t matter. I could still understand what was happening, and I could see how they were worshiping God — and that they were worshiping God. Sacred beauty in the liturgy is a universal language that transcends our differences.
When things are holy and sacred, they are perceived as such by all.
And again: If God is lost, all is lost. So we must keep our eyes and our hearts focused on the Lord. I pray that the Church understands the fundamental unity shared by the last three popes — a unity rooted in the truth that interior, prayerful participation in the Mass is the most important thing we can do.
Read the entire interview over at National Catholic Register.