Praying for our country.

Before the last election the leaders of our two main parties were asked "Do you believe in God?" and they each answered simply "No." So is it surprising that our country has abortion on demand and gay marriage but religion is derided and ridiculed? In our local newspaper today those against gay marriage were called "sad bigots". On the other hand the ancient Maori superstitions and respected and allowed for. It's because of this prevailing attitude I constantly pray the rosary for priests and for the people of God, that despite public derision we will stay faithful and fervent. St Peter Chanel pray for us.

The Rosary as a weapon.

I pray the rosary as often as I can. I am continually storming heaven as I look at the decandence of the western world and its total rejection of any true faith or morals. The rosary is my weapon of choice against the evil that threatens to engulf us. Pray, pray and pray some more. It's worked through the ages, why not now?

Head Covering

When I go to the Latin Mass I love putting my "mantilla" or chapel veil over my head as I walk into the foyer. There is something so feminine, so beautiful and humble about wearing a head covering in the presence of Our Precious Lord. I remember when I came back to the church after some years away, as I walked into Mass that first momentous time, I instinctively put the silk scarf I was wearing round my neck over my head! It was an unplanned action, and I don't know why I did it because I had NEVER worn a head covering at Mass before or even thought of such a thing. I soon took the scarf off, as no one else in the church was wearing a head covering but I still think it was the right thing to do. I wear a unobtrusive hat when I go to the Novus Ordo now but it's not the same as a chapel veil. Sometimes as I put on my veil I think of all those women who for centuries covered their head in love and reverence before their Lord. Holy Spirit, may it come back soon.

Melchizedek

I have long been been fascinated by Melchizedek, every since I began seriously praying for priests. I first read about him in Genesis 14 and was intrigued by his description "Melchizedek, King of Salem and priest of the Lord Most High". What wonderful titles and it is first time the word 'priest' was used in the Bible. He emerged after Abram had won a great victory and offered him "BREAD and WINE' and blessed him! Isn't that amazing? It was usual in those days to offer a sacrifice but he offered bread and wine. Was he a forerunner of Jesus? Was he acually Jesus? What is certain is that it is a foretelling of the Eucharist! In Hebrews it says Jesus is "A priest forever in the line of Melchizedek" We used to hear that phrase in the Mass but don't seem to now. When I am praying for priests I pray to Blessed Melchizedek as well as other saints. Blessed Melchizedek pray for our priests.

Evening Mass

Once a week we have Mass at 5.30pm. I don't often make it but tonight I did and I've been musing on how special evening Mass is. It's currently dark at 5.30 and there's something very moving about going from the dark street to the dimly lit church, the candles on the altar glowing and the dark, silent congregation kneeling and praying. It seems extra quiet in the church at night too, perhaps the people are more tired and therefore more still than in the morning Masses. And Our Lord comes to us in the darkness and stillness; the hidden, terrifying, beloved Miracle of the Mass.

No Life?

Some years ago I had an elderly neighbour who had been a devout Catholic for most of her life. She told me a very sad story. She had always been a daily Mass goer although she lived a very busy life, but she made sure she always went to Mass. One day the priest arrived to say Mass and he had a friend with him. My neighbour heard the visitor ask the priest "Who ARE these people who come to Mass every day?" The priest answered "Sadly, they are people who have no lives. Daily Mass gives them something to do!" My friend was so hurt and angry she stopped going to daily Mass. Within 5 years she had stopped going to Church altogether. Later, in her sixties, she joined a Protestant church. I thought of this recently when I was talking to our Priest and he was telling me that he was thinking of changing the time of the daily Mass. I suggested he asked the daily Mass goers what THEY thought but he said dismissively "Oh no, they can come at any time, I'm going to ask the Liturgy committee." I really felt that there was the same condescending attitude to daily Mass goers as my neighbour experienced. I hope not but I'm praying.

Awe

Last year, in our Parish, I had the great joy of attending a Mass said by a missionary priest who was in the parish to visit his sick Mother. He said Mass with the most solemn reverence and in his sermon he told us that if we really believed, and thought about, what the Eucharist is, we would approach the altar trembling with awe of the great Gift we were being given. I thought of that this morning at Mass, and realised how very true it is. Praise God for His goodness to us.