Got a question for you. Let’s just say the name of your church is something like True Church of God in Christ, 2nd Baptist, Holiness Tabernacle, Global Outreach community church or a very contemporary seeker friendly name such as Connect Church which are all actual churches, and you are just getting ready to walk into your church. What is the protocol?
Now let's say it is your Sunday morning church service, what are the expectations from the leadership so that you are prepared to receive? My subject matter today revolves around what occurs at your church just before the church service begins and what happens at a Catholic Mass just before it begins.
Lets look at four things you will see at a Catholic Mass before you even sit down, that is four actions prior to taking a seat which are all in expectation of mental and spiritual preparation for receiving Christ.
1. Dip
2. Cross
3. Drop
4. Kneel
Kind of sounds like a fire drill...well, we are looking for the fire of The Holy Spirit.
We are going to see that none of those four items (dip, cross, drop and kneel) are in the realm of the social aspect of church life. I would definitely say that most all non-Catholic churches are built around or at least have an unusually high priority on the social side of gathering.
I would actually say that most pastors are hoping, planning, and orchestrating the how to’s of a strong inclusive social aspect for those who attend. Why do you think that is? Because the chances are higher you will continue to attend regularly...that is understandable...but is that the goal?
“The small group” movement within larger churches has been an attempt since the early 70’s and the idea is to build relationship to build koinonia.
This small group movement came to such prominence out of the largest church in the world which is in Seoul Korea...well correction, let me say, the largest church that meets in one place. The Catholic Church is of course the largest church in the world...1.2 billion and growing. So let’s break down those 4 noticeable actions at a Catholic Mass. Dip, Cross, Drop, Kneel
1. Dip: Dipping your finger into the water of the Baptismal font which is usually positioned just as you walk in the sanctuary. I will unfold that in my next entry.
2. Cross: With your right hand, making the Sign of the Cross which is from the head to heart and then to both shoulders. I will unfold that in my next entry.
3. Drop: Dropping to one knee which is called genuflecting. I will unfold that in my next entry.
4. Kneel: Kneeling down for a short time of prayer as you prepare your heart, your mind, and your will to participate in the sacrifice of the Mass. I will unfold that in my next entry.
All of these are in the realm of honor, in the realm of piety, the realm of preparation, I believe in the realm of being Christ centric….isn’t that what you and I want?
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