Contrasts

     This morning at Our Lady of Grace in Greensburg, a liturgy was celebrated that would have elated those who love "high church".  A Choral Prelude, the Episcopal Procession to "Trumpet Tune in D Major" by David Johnson, triumphal gathering hymn, and all the splendor of the Chrism Mass.  It was beautifully celebrated by those present.  At that liturgy, the Sacred Oils are blessed and set apart for use in the Sacraments in our parishes.  Also, the priests renew before the People of God their "Commitment to Priestly Service".

     There are three groups of questions that the bishop asks the priests.  I would like to mention them:

          Bishop:  My brothers, today we celebrate the memory of the first Eucharist,
                        at which Our Lord Jesus Christ shared with His Apostles and with
                        us His call to the priestly service of His Church.   Now, in the presence
                        of your Bishop and God's holy people, are you ready to renew your
                        own dedication to Christ as priests of His new covenant?
          Priests:    I am.
          Bishop:   At your ordination you accepted the responsibilities of the priesthood
                        out of love for the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church.  Are you resolved to
                        unite yourselves more closely to Christ and to try to become more like
                        Him by joyfully sacrificing your own pleasure and ambition to bring His
                        peace and love to your brothers and sisters?
          Priests:    I am.
          Bishop:   Are you resolved to be faithful ministers of the mysteries of God,
                        to celebrate the Eucharist and the other liturgical services with sincere
                        devotion?  Are you resolved to imitate Jesus Christ, the head and
                        shepherd of the Church, by teaching the Christian faith without
                        thinking of your own profit, solely for the well-being of the people
                        you were sent to serve?
          Priests:    I am
                                                 Copyright @ 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc.

     The bishop then asks the people present to pray for their priests.  It is very moving, and a wonderful liturgy.
    
     Then comes tonight, the Mass of the Lord's Supper.  In contrast, it is a simple liturgy that recalls the last gathering of Jesus and his friends around the table for a meal.  It was quiet, intimate, peaceful.  The formality of the ritual meal was lost in the closeness of gathered friends, caught on the edge of challenging circumstances.  Prayers were offered, bread was blessed and broken, a cup of wine was blessed and shared, a lesson of service was taught, and a betrayer departed.  The uncertainty of tomorrow was overwhelming, yet no one was overwhelmed.  This is what we remember and celebrate tonight.

     Thank God for the ability to embrace contrasts in the way we worship, for contrasts are a part of the life we lead.   Have a blessed beginning of the Triduum.