I have a special affinity for the Preface at Holy Mass because they are majestic prayers that so often have beautiful scriptural allusions. The new translation especially accents this beauty as seen in today's Liturgy: From the Preface: By abstaining forty long days from earthly food, he consecrated through his fast the pattern of our Lenten observance and, by overturning all the snares of the ancient serpent, taught us to cast out the leaven of malice, so that, celebrating worthily the Paschal Mystery, we might pass over at last to the eternal paschal feast. First, it is a beautiful image of how our earthly fasts imitate Jesus and pave the way for our sharing in the marriage feast of the Lamb in Heaven. But within are a number of Scriptural references: the ancient serpent - Rev 12: 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world-- cast out the leaven of malice - 1Cor5:8 Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. we might pass over - Ex 12:23 For the LORD will pass through to slay the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to slay you. It all brings to mind the Message of 2/25. I think that during this Lent we can go a long way in heeding Our Lady's requests to pray from the heart and drink in the Scriptures by simply asking our guardian angels to keep us more attentive during the Liturgy of the Word at Holy Mass. Safe in the Father's Arms!
The Abbot in the monastery used to be Chairman of the Irish Liturgical Commision, Terry and he used to impart his great interest and love in the prayers and reading at mass and in the office to ourselves. One of the things he used to point out was how perfectly the prayers and readings were selected for the occasion. Referecnes to Satan and his tireless efforts to drag souls to hell appear to be a biggie. I am ashamed to say I often kinda oze my way through the readings and prayers. However years ago while doing reader I bought a missla which I nealry always bring to mass with me to play catchup. :wink:
