How To Pray the Mass, Part 2: Penitential Rite

Photo: Elizabeth Wong Barnstead, Western KY Catholic

It’s time now to start exploring some of the actual prayers and ritual actions of the Mass. A deeper understanding of these elements will enable us to pray the sacred Liturgy more personally and profoundly.

At the beginning of Mass, even before the opening prayer, the Penitential Rite begins. If we participate actively and fruitfully in this seemingly small part of the liturgy, it will open our hearts to receive God’s grace more fully in the parts to follow. Let’s focus on just two elements of the Penitential Rite …

1 - “Let us call to mind our sins …”

The priest opens the Rite by inviting us all to remember our sins: those thoughts, words, actions, and omissions by which we have failed to love God and neighbor. The brief pause after this invitation is meant to give us the time to quickly recall some of these personal failings. This is not so that we can “beat ourselves up,” but so that we can cast ourselves with confidence upon the mercy of our Heavenly Father. After all, we are confident that “a heart contrite and humbled, O God, You will not spurn!” (Ps. 51:17)

There isn’t usually time at this point in the Mass to make a full examination of conscience - because Mother Church assumes that we have already done so as part of our preparation for the Eucharist! Next time you attend Mass, why not try to arrive early and ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember those sins which may be hindering your ability to receive His love as fully as He wants to give it?

2 - “You, my brothers, and sisters …”

It’s easy to recite the “Confiteor” prayer (“I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters …”) in a rote fashion. Most Catholics have spoken these words so many times that we hardly think about them anymore! But let’s pause a moment and consider a striking element of this prayer that might change the way we approach it in the future.

Yes, we say that we confess our sins to God - but also to one another! We ask the intercession of Mary, the Angels, and the Saints - and of one another! Have you ever pondered that conversion is as much about the whole Church as it is about your individual soul? Our sins, even the most private and hidden, ultimately wound the entire Mystical Body of Christ. By addressing our confession “to you, my brothers and sisters,” we are acknowledging this fact and asking one another’s help to grow in holiness!

Next time you pray the “Confiteor,” then, really listen to what you and your fellow congregants are saying to each other: “Please pray for me!” By quickly lifting your heart in prayer, you can answer that plea from your “brothers and sisters,” repairing the damage that your own sins have done to the Mystical Body. What an awesome reality!