Day 11: Entrance Ritual to the Opening Prayer

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly... singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (Col. 3:16)

"When you sing, you pray twice." Song is such an important part of our lives. As a matter of fact we spend a fortune on music and the paraphernalia to make that music. It is only natural and good that we should set our heart's greatest desire, unity with God and praise of His holy name, to song.

In the Entrance Rite of the Holy Mass, the priest and His attendant ministers make their way from the vestibule of the Church to the altar in what should be a solemn slow procession. The people are to participate with a unifying song of praise preparing for the sacred mysteries of Christ.

The entrance (or in some parishes they have gathering hymns) should be a song that reflects the deep desire to come to know Jesus.

Our GOAL should be to reject the notion of Mass attendance soley out of some sense of obligation (even though it IS an OBLIGATION) without a deep desire in our heart to be present.

This is no excuse for the lazy hearts out there just waiting for the opportunity for someone to say, "If you don't feel like going to Mass, don't go... better that you go when you REALLY want to."

PHEWEY! Can you imaging saying that to your spouse? I'll come home when I really feel it in my heart!, or I'll come to work when I really feel motivated to.... or I'll pay my bills...! ? It doesn't work that way in life nor in Church.

The Entrance Ritual to the Opening Prayer focuses our overtaxed attention and wandering mind on the sacred action that is going to take place. It is a moment of spritual reawakening and preparatation for what we are all about to undertake: The praise and adoration of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Come and sing Christian! Sing with whatever vocal chords the Lord has blessed you with. Pray twice, together!