Pastor's Corner, June 1, 2014

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Since today is Sunday we do not celebrate the saint whose feast day falls on this date – St. Justin Martyr. Around the year 155 this philosopher who converted to Christianity wrote one of the earliest descriptions of the Mass:

“On the day we call the day of the sun, all who dwell in the city or country gather in the same place. The memoirs of the apostles and the writings of the prophets are read… When the reader has finished, he who presides over those gathered admonishes and challenges them to imitate these beautiful things. Then we all rise together and offer prayers for ourselves… and for all others, wherever they may be... When the prayers are concluded we exchange the kiss. Then someone brings bread and a cup of water and wine mixed together to him who presides over the brethren. He takes them and offers praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and for a considerable time he gives thanks (in Greek: eucharistian) that we have been judged worthy of these gifts. When he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all present give voice to an acclamation by saying: ‘Amen.’ When he who presides has given thanks and the people have responded, those whom we call deacons give to those present the ‘eucharisted’ bread, wine and water and take them to those who are absent.”

It is amazing to compare this almost 2,000 year old description of the Mass and compare it with today.

In Christ,

Msgr. Baker