As we know we have a lot of silence in the Mass, and I wrote about this two weeks ago. There is silence at the point in the Mass where the priest says, “Brethren, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.” Here there is a pause to recall our sins both mortal and venial. (Remember, that mortal sins must be confessed in order to be forgiven). Another pause happens when the altar boy brings the book over. The priest says, “Let us pray.” It is not just a pause for the book to come, but also a pause for each of us to remember the intention that we are offering the Mass for. After this there is a pause before the Gospel. This pause is for us to recall what we have heard already and to talk to the Lord about it. It is also a time for me to prepare to proclaim the Gospel and preach a homily. All pauses and moments of silence are times to grow in intimacy with the Lord. They are times to hear Him speak to us or to speak to Him. Then we have some silence after the homily. This is purposeful as we have heard a lot of stuff and it is time to digest it and talk to the Lord about it. I will write more about this next week.
Thanks for all who continue to make our parishes the beautiful places they are to worship. There are so many volunteers who do so much and I am so grateful to them. May God bless you all!
FR. THOMAS P. GALARNEAULT