The Altar, the Cross and the Book

	Third of a six-part series
	Related articles ... October 24, 2003 issue: • Part two of six: --     Why make any revisions in the Mass? October 17, 2003 issue: • Part one of six: --     How to enrich our experience of Mass • Compass Editorial --     Focusing on Instruction August 22, 2003 issue: • Bishop Banks' Corner --     The church's source of energy August 8, 2003 issue: • Bishop Banks' Corner --     Current Mass links us to Apostles

In the renewal of the Mass, there are reminders and revisions focusing on the Altar, the Cross and the Book of the Gospels. This article will address issues related to the beginning rites of the Mass.

The Altar: For Sunday Mass in a Catholic Church, the altar is the center of religious ritual. It is a noble, dignified and authentic symbol of Christ. In fact, the altar bears the mystery of sacrifice and sacred meal.

The table of sacrifice commemorates the death of the Lamb of God who died for our salvation. The altar is also the table of the sacred meal, the source of the Bread of Life and the Cup of Eternal Salvation.

Catholics are asked to reverence the altar with a profound bow as they enter the worship space. It is a sign that we honor the Lord.

The Cross: The presence of a cross bearing the image of the crucified Lord is now required at all Masses. Hardship and pain are a part of human life. We have an opportunity to unite our suffering with the suffering of the Crucified Lord.

Catholics are asked to have a cross with the Crucified Lord present in the worship space. This image of the crucified Lord may be on a processional cross that is carried amid the community, "collecting" the sufferings of all and uniting them with Christ. Or the image may be on a cross mounted near the altar, so all can offer the tragedies of life to that of the crucified Lord.

On Good Friday, Christians are invited to venerate the Cross and enter the mystery of passion, death and resurrection. The Cross leads to new life in Christ.

The Book: Scripture draws the attention and snares the interest of many Christians. Bible study and prayer with scripture are popular events. From early times, Christians highlighted the Gospels with illuminated artwork and wrapped them in a cover of jewels and precious stones. They carried the Book of the Gospels in procession to show its high place of honor in the Mass.

Catholics are asked to carry the Book of the Gospels in the entrance procession and place it on the altar. At the alleluia procession, the priest or deacon carries the Book of the Gospels to the ambo. This is to remind us that the proclamation of the Gospel holds the highest honor among the readings of the Sunday. Therefore, lectors will place the Sunday Lectionary on the ambo before Mass and set it aside for the celebration of the Gospel.

These three reminders and revisions offer an opportunity to deepen our understanding of sacrifice, sacred meal, suffering and Scripture. Indeed, we hold a treasure with the grace of the Altar, the Cross and the Book of the Gospels.

Next week, I will continue with further changes given in the General Instruction.

If you have specific questions about the Mass or the General Instruction, send them, by email, to dwimmer@gbdioc.org or call toll-free 877-500-3580, ext. 8311.