What happens when some extra guests show up at the party? Answer, we make room for them, right?
Yesterday (Thursday that is), we had a visit from some of the students at the local high school. They arrived just in time for the celebration of the regular weekday Mass. Even though they outnumbered the adults who were here, they were still among the 'newcomers', and their lack of familiarity with these surroundings was still evident (a bit) although to be honest, they are getting more and more used to this place. They should be, since they have been coming into this building about four or five times a year for the last four years or so.
Things have changed though since the last time they were here. We are in the Season of Advent, which means that whereas the students would normally have prepared for a 'Christmas' Mass for this week, we kept the focus on waiting rather than anticipating. This didn't stop some of them from willingly participating in the proclamation of the scriptures, and the prayers that were offered for peace and goodwill.
Perhaps the most surprising result was that they willingly took part in the recitation of new responses to the various parts of the Mass, and when the time came for the distribution of Communion, they all stood (yes, they had been instructed to do so) until the last person had received, and then all sat with a clatter for the 'period of silent reflection'.
It might have seemed a bit strange to some that this gathering passed with narry a song or a note being played, but in truth, they continue to learn (as we all do) and to grow in their experience of celebrating faith, respecting the silence of a sacred space, and opening their hearts to receive the gift of faith that is being offered.
In turn, they share with this community their youth, their vigour and their love for live. Isn't that the task that is set before each of us: to share with the world the good news of faith, of Jesus risen and of the child who came to bring peace to the world?
Yesterday (Thursday that is), we had a visit from some of the students at the local high school. They arrived just in time for the celebration of the regular weekday Mass. Even though they outnumbered the adults who were here, they were still among the 'newcomers', and their lack of familiarity with these surroundings was still evident (a bit) although to be honest, they are getting more and more used to this place. They should be, since they have been coming into this building about four or five times a year for the last four years or so.
Things have changed though since the last time they were here. We are in the Season of Advent, which means that whereas the students would normally have prepared for a 'Christmas' Mass for this week, we kept the focus on waiting rather than anticipating. This didn't stop some of them from willingly participating in the proclamation of the scriptures, and the prayers that were offered for peace and goodwill.
Perhaps the most surprising result was that they willingly took part in the recitation of new responses to the various parts of the Mass, and when the time came for the distribution of Communion, they all stood (yes, they had been instructed to do so) until the last person had received, and then all sat with a clatter for the 'period of silent reflection'.
It might have seemed a bit strange to some that this gathering passed with narry a song or a note being played, but in truth, they continue to learn (as we all do) and to grow in their experience of celebrating faith, respecting the silence of a sacred space, and opening their hearts to receive the gift of faith that is being offered.
In turn, they share with this community their youth, their vigour and their love for live. Isn't that the task that is set before each of us: to share with the world the good news of faith, of Jesus risen and of the child who came to bring peace to the world?
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