The patriarch Jacob returning from Mesopotamia to his homeland, built an altar to the Lord in order that he could offer sacrifice of thanksgiving for the safe trip. He called his family around him and told them “discharge the strange gods in your midst and change your clothing.” What he ordered his people to do is also a command for those who are preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Those who are preparing for the Sacrifice of the Altar must first discharge their strange gods. They will purify their souls by removal of all sins. They will put on new clothes of virtues in order to properly prepare themselves to give thanksgiving to God in communion.

To celebrate the Eucharist without any intention of changing our lives is a blasphemy. We would be treated as the man who came to a wedding feast not dressed in a wedding garment. (Matt. 22:11-13) We would deserve to be bound hands and feet and cast into the darkness where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” To properly prepare for Mass, we may wish to read the Scripture readings for that Mass. This will open our ears and minds to those words when they are read, and to the homily. We may even wish to jot down some ideas that we would use if we were to deliver the homily. For those who have the time, writing out a homily that you would deliver introduces them to a deeper meaning of the words of Scripture. It is helpful in this to use a Scripture commentary to find how others have interpreted these passages through the ages. A review of the New Catholic Catechism that applies to the message of these scripture readings is also helpful. In this way we enter the celebration of the Mass fully equipped to make the most of the Liturgy of the Word.

There is no better way to prepare for Mass than prayer. We may do this at home alone, or with the family before going to the Church. Such family prayers often lead to an orientation of the family members to the unity they represent when they attend Mass. If this is not feasible, arriving at Mass 10 to 15 minutes early and just quietly ask Jesus to be present in the pew with you, so that you will be better prepared to join him in this celebration.

The purpose of preparation is to assist us to celebrate each aspect of the Mass with understanding and full participation. In this manner, we gradually become what we celebrate. We will see from the following reflections that if we join Jesus before the Mass, we can become more fully incorporated into Him during the Mass. In this manner, we not only celebrate the Eucharist, but we become Eucharist, as sacrifice for the world.

CELEBRATION - Growth in love- 4th stage
MEDITATION- SACRAMENTS-54-EUCHARIST 28

After the homily all stand and express acceptance of the message of the Word delivered in readings and proclamation. This occurs through the affirmation that our faith is based on the Creed of the church.

APOSTLES CREED 76-97

NEW CATHOLIC CATECHISM
ARTICLE NO. 1354b

In the intercessions, the Church indicates that the Eucharist is celebrated in communion with the whole Church in heaven and on earth, the living and the dead, and in communion with the pastors of the Church, the Pope, the diocesan bishop, his presbyterium and his deacons, and all the bishops of the whole world together with their Churches.

COMMUNION OF PRAYER

Deacon Jim Breazile o.c.d.s.

In communal prayer all intercede

Angels and saints, living and dead

For all souls who suffer need

The Church stands firmly in their stead

Pastoral prayers of intercession

And consecrated bread and wine

Present a clear manifestation

Convey unity of eternity and time

Deacons, Priests, Bishops and Pope

By service, sacrifice and sacrament

Assure God’s presence, fulfilling our hope

Dedicating our lives in Holy testament