He offers a moving account of hope Pope Benedict XVI prepares to celebrate the Holy Mass:
The entire time Pope Benedict XVI was facing an altar lit by two candles, with his gaze fixed on a crucifix hanging just above the altar. As the MCs helped him vest each garment, Benedict prayed the ancient “Vesting Prayers” in preparation to celebrate the Mass. There is a special prayer assigned to each garment a priest is to wear, which helps the Priest to meditate on the Mystery at hand and to begin offering his entire Self in union with Christ.The rest of his account is worth a read, too.
As I watched the Holy Father pray in this way, a part of me--namely my ego--really wanted him to turn, look at me, shake my hand, and say something inspirational. But not once did Benedict’s gaze betray the crucifix before him. I will never forget that image. It spoke volumes to me...about what really mattered...about what that day was all about--not me...not my ego....something else...something so much greater...something deserving of all our attention, all of our praise, all of our love. I found myself praying something like this, deep in my heart, “May the Cross of Christ never leave my gaze, so that I May never forget how greatly I am loved and by what measure the King of Kings gazes back upon me.”
It has often bothered me to see how common joviality has replaced the time of focus and vesting prayers in so many sacristies these days. I wish more priests would return to the vesting prayers and even a few moments of quiet before the start of Mass. I know some priests do this, but so many don't. There is a time for joviality and laughter, but right before the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is not perhaps the best time. Balance, I think, is essential.
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