Silence

 A period of silence follows the preparation for Mass. We are given time to think and reflect. It is interesting that along with a declined sense of sin, people also have grown uncomfortable with silence. We live in a world where we are bombarded with noise in almost every waking moment.  But in silence, God speaks to us. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

            Noise often keeps us from hearing God’s pleas spoken to our hearts. Use these seconds to allow God to show you what He wishes for you.

The Confiteor

                 Confiteor is a Latin word that means “I confess,” the first words of the prayer that we now say together. This is a public confession.  There are only sinners present in the church today.  Everyone — priest, deacon, and all gathered—say the words together.

            This prayer is directed not only to God but also to everyone present, including the people around us. We acknowledge our acts of separation have occurred through our own fault, emphasizing this by striking our hearts. We have sinned in our minds, in our hearts, in our actions, and worst of all, in what we have not done. Our confession is an admission that we are in desperate need of a savior. We open our hearts with this general confession to all gathered that we, like them, are in need of someone to rescue us from our plight. The wages of sin, our sin, is death.

             Our sins have other consequences than those felt in the here and now. Our sins create discord, sow fear, and cause great pain. They create a living hell for those around us and even in us.  Not only do we need a savior who can rescue us, we also need a savior who can empower us to live our lives differently.