Surprise! Surprise!: 21st Week of the Liturgical Year, August 21-27, 2011

1Thessalonians chapters 1-4; Matthew, chapters 23-25.
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I like this Sunday’s readings because they give a chance to clarify a few things that might be sapping our joy without our even noticing what is wrong.

The first is the feelings we bring to Church. They are just as important as the feelings we bring to a wedding (joy) or to a funeral (sympathy). We need to think about what will get us “in the mood.” Have we ever been taught that as an obligation?

Then there is the meaning of “mercy”—that is has to be based on a recognition of relationship. That invites us to look at what God’s goodness toward us is based on, and what attitude our help to others needs to come out of to be truly Christian.

Monday we begin 1Thessalonians. Take this week to read it all. It makes us appreciate the Intercessions during the Eucharistic Prayer. (What intercessions?” Pay attention!) And a great principle: “What we do not praise we will not appreciate.” Men: if you do not understand that, ask your wife.

Tuesday – Wednesday paint a beautiful picture of the unity we should experience at Mass and show us how to get into it. Not by laws (not mentioned once in the Eucharistic Prayer) but through steady, selfless service and attentive awareness that what we celebrate is what we are, and what we celebrate consciously is what we become. By praying for each other in the Eucharistic Prayer Intercessions (found them yet?) we give support and draw support.

And how about the two lists of saints in Eucharistic Prayer I? Had you ever noticed how inclusive they are by categories and gender? How many of the names can you identify after twenty to fifty years of hearing them?

Thursday takes us into the mystery of past, present and future made present in the Mass.

Friday reminds us “It is God’s will you grow in holiness.” And explains the stages we grow through. Guess how many?

Saturday explains the “three elevations” during the Mass, the three “great deeds” of Jesus they express, and the three anointings that consecrate us to continue them in our lives. Omne trinum perfectum (Google it).