As the liturgical season of Advent gets underway, it is good to consider various ways to make this time of anticipation worthwhile and spiritually fulfilling. Daily meditations in print or electronic form certainly can be helpful, but nothing can outdo the efficacy of daily Mass.
Regular attendance at Mass on weekends accustoms us to many beautiful aspects of the liturgy – a (hopefully!) full church bedecked with flowers, uplifting music, numerous ministry members assisting the celebrant, a full range of ages represented in the congregation.
In contrast, it can be tempting to view weekday Mass as a scaled-down, no-frills version of the typical weekend liturgy. Perhaps this Advent, a deeper look may be helpful.
As to location, in many parishes, the more commodious church space gives way on weekdays to a smaller chapel for Mass. Advantages to this arrangement are many, going beyond the obvious practical reduction in cooling or heating costs.
The smaller space gives ample opportunity to see each part of the Mass as it evolves “up close and personal,” as the saying goes. There is a great deal of comfort to be taken from closely viewing the actions and hearing the words of the celebrant as he proceeds through the familiar parts of the liturgy so dear to our hearts.
In the dim quiet of morning, it somehow becomes easier to envision the Mass taking place all over the world with the same gestures, formulary prayers, and especially the same result – the Real Presence among participants of the One who gave His life for us and waits to be united with us. We become part of a global congregation whose numbers are incalculable, united as members of a true community of believers.
The more intimate setting can bind regular attendees together into a cohesive unit, fostering a greater sense of community and prompting post-Mass conversations extending beyond the usual “have a nice day” greeting. New friendships can be formed and solidified, mutual prayer support ongoing. For example, if the celebrant permits, personal intentions could be voiced aloud during the general intercessions. Odds are that others in the congregation have gone through a similar situation and could offer words of encouragement born of personal experience.
It is traditional to use the quiet moments before the start of Mass to speak to the Lord in our hearts, admitting Him into our confidence by sharing those personal intentions for which our Mass and Communion are being offered. Whether in church or in chapel, by attending weekday Mass, even if only a few times each week, the possibility for multiple intentions increases accordingly. The ripple effect spreading over our loved ones is a beautiful sight to envision.
Admittedly, scheduling time for weekday Mass attendance can be a challenge, especially during these busy times of pre-Christmas activities. On the other hand, today’s technology offers convenience and flexibility we couldn’t have dreamed of not so long ago. While weekday congregations tend to include an older population, perhaps retired and no longer raising families, young people too can often find ways to make the half-hour commitment for Mass a few mornings a week with little or no impact on family and work responsibilities. Without a doubt, there is no better way to begin the day, and no more perfect companion than the One who deigns to join us on the altar and in our hearts.
To look at Advent another way, while we wait for the Lord’s coming during this special season each year, He waits for us every single day. He longs for us to make the time to be with Him, to talk to Him, to be joined to Him in a union of love unlike any other.
Scheduling time to begin these beautiful days of anticipation gathered around the Lord’s altar can make this the best, most spiritually fulfilling Advent of our lives. Just think of the special joy to come on Christmas!
Advent and weekday Mass – a true marriage made in heaven.
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