Before any of the article begins, I want to note that I am writing down a personal reflection, and not one which has had time to brew and be refined by rigorous theology. I have no doubt that what I will say can be greatly expounded or corrected by a priest or theologian more familiar with the Mass.
What do you mean celebrate?
When I was at Mass today (random Tuesday), I heard the phrase “Therefore, as we celebrate the memorial of His Death and Resurrection…” (from Eucharistic prayer II), and wondered for a moment: isn’t celebration a term describing a joyous or happy occasion? I understand the celebration of the resurrection, since there is an obvious bodily good which is obtained by a friend, but do we also celebrate the gruesome part? Wouldn’t it make sense to mourn the bad done and celebrate the good?
The most faithful observer of the crucifixion
When thinking of one who is both happy and sad at the same time, my mind jumped to Our Lady of Sorrows, who during the crucifixion was both in sorrow but in joy, recognizing both the bodily evil and hatred toward our Lord, but also the fact that He would rise again, and that His current sufferings would redeem the world. This has been well summarized by Christian Wagner in this video.
The ends of the Mass
While much more can be said of the Mass, there are usually described four ends of the mass: Thanksgiving, propitiation, adoration, and petition. Half of these are usually thought of as more joyful, namely thanksgiving and adoration, and the other half pleading because of some defect or want. While this may not always be the case, when it is, we may apply the same principles behind our Lady of Sorrows to make our prayer well. Thinking of the Passion, we can be both joyful and sorrowful, knowing that while our sins caused the Crucifixion, it was allowed by gracious love for the overcoming of these same defects.
Anyways
While my meditations are not something to write home about, it’s a good reminder to meditate on the Mass in general, as a celebration that every Christian everywhere is meant to hear and learn from.
