After reading Dave's post "Non Serviam: On Kneeling at Mass" I found myself looking for a "like button" on Typepad. Such a feature lacking, I figured I'd add my thoughts and comments on the matter which come in the form of a discussion on "vertical vs. horizontal" . On a side note, Prof. Esolen's lecture was simply brilliant.
In answer to Dave's question "Haven't we lost a profoundly communal aspect of the Mass?" I would submit the following. In much of the agenda-driven and flawed implementation and interpretation of Vatican II we have seen an over emphasis on the communal nature of the Mass. Such emphasis too often tries to shift to secondary importance the "vertical" nature of the Mass, which stresses that the Mass is a sacrifice and prayer offered up to God, in which God's graces descend upon the faithful. In place of the vertical orientation of the Mass, which is rightfully the primary and most important understanding of the Mass, many have tried to stress the "horizontal" nature of the Mass, as being more about the gathering of a community to share in a meal. Such thinking is flawed as it detracts from the sacrificial nature of the Mass. To illustrate this flaw, I present the example of a priest saying a private Mass without servers or faithful present. He is performing the same sacrificial action and prayer that he would perform if people (the community) were present. His private Mass is no less valid, no less holy; it makes Christ no less present, the graces received are no less effectual, the prayers offered for the living and the dead are in no way diminished. Thus, the Mass is not in its primary orientation and purpose, an action to bring together the community, but rather a sacrifice of adoration, thanksgiving, reparation, and petition. The Mass is not dependent on the community (it occurs to me, however, that the community is dependent on the Mass).
The flawed thinking that emphasizes horizontality over verticality is reflected in much of modern church architecture (or the bastardization of older churches), namely, churches "in the round" with vague distinctions between the sanctuary Nave and the removal of the communion rail. Even the construction of altars themselves reflects the verticality of the liturgy. Traditionally, the High altar (again, emphasizing verticality), was situated prominently atop a series of steps (three or more), which the priest and server(s) ascended in beautiful and meaningful imagery (drawing on the ancient Jewish priests entering the Holy of Holies in the Temple) at the beginning of Mass following the recitation, kneeling at the foot of such steps, of Psalm 42 ("Introibo ad altare Dei" ... I will go in to the altar of God"). It was up to this altar that the faithful gazed as the priest elevated the Host and the chalice. Likewise, the priest descended from the altar to administer Holy Communion to the faithful, with imagery that reflect's Christ descending from heaven to come to us both in his Incarnation and under the appearances of bread and wine. Abuses, such as the gathering around the altar, which Dave mentions, do much to disrupt this important and symbolic dynamic.
Another development that has perhaps been seen by many as enhancing the communal aspect of the Mass is the sign of Peace. Yet, I would contend that this action, in its present form, is too often the expression of the same flawed thinking mentioned above. With Jesus Christ now present, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity on the altar, the faithful are urged to "extend to each other a sign of peace". This action, which comes at the exact time when quiet meditation is most needed to prepare oneself for the reception of Communion, often becomes nothing more than social hour (and a loud one at that), with people, and at times the priest, maneuvering half way around the Church to greet people. Often the priest or choir must wait for everyone to settle down before beginning a most ancient and Holy prayer, the Angus Dei. Not only is this disruption distracting for those who wish to quietly prepare themselves for Communion, it is utterly irreverent to our God who at that exact time, lies upon the altar. Perhaps a lesson should be taken from the Missal of 1962, wherein, during a low Mass, the priest makes a simple exchange with the people/server ("The peace of the Lord be always with you...and with thy spirit") followed by a prayer for peace (the same one found in the Novus Ordo prior to the sign of peace). In a Solemn High Mass, in addition to this exchange, the sacred Ministers exchange a "Kiss of Peace" in a very reverent, solemn, and subdued manner (initiated and closed with a bow, consisting of a slight embrace); from my missal: "The position in the Mass of this sign of fraternal charity is characteristic. Before receiving the Body of our Lord, Christians should show that they are at peace with their brethren." Perhaps this formula could be used in the Novus ordo amongst the faithful to show fraternal charity while retaining an atmosphere of reverence. At the least, let's leave socialization to coffee hour after Mass.
The Mass's communal/horizontal nature is not to be denied but it is to be rightly subordinated to the Mass's vertical nature. As Prof. Esolen pointed out, what could be more communal than kneeling with your brothers and sisters in Christ awaiting the reception of your Lord and God in the Eucharist? Furthermore, in the Mass, as evidenced in the various prayers, particularly the Preface and the Cannon, we are united with the Communion of Saints who kneel with us before the altar as the priest, in persona Christi, offers the Body and Blood of Christ to God, representing the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross in an unbloody manner. In my personal practice, I like to utter a short prayer to Mary, recalling that I am kneeling before the same sacrifice at Calvary before which she knelt, and that she is beside me as I witness this sacrifice take place.
Thus, much of the authentic "profoundly communal" understanding of the Mass has been lost, replaced by an artificial notion of community, incorrectly stressing the horizontal over the vertical. Yet, with a correct attitude of reverence we can rediscover the true communal nature of the Mass.
-Kieran Raval.
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