©2022 Victor R. Claveau, MJ
A number of Church documents concerning the Eucharistic celebration speak of the ideal of “Active participation”. What does the term “Active Participation” mean?
Well first, it means interior participation; in other words, entering into the liturgical celebration with a sense of expectancy, with the anticipation of a child about to experience something wonderful and majestic. It means that your mind and heart are awake and alert. Secondly, active participation involves the physical action of standing, sitting, kneeling, walking, talking, and possibly even singing. There has to be a sense of unity between the interior and exterior participation in order to worship properly.
Active participation should be both serious and meticulous. Some may say that following liturgical norms inhibits active participation and fosters rigidity or formalism. Obviously, formalism in the strictest sense should be avoided, as it is empty, in and of itself. At the same time, we should be aware of each and every word or action in order to cross the threshold into the Divine mystery.
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, celebrated correctly, and entered into fully, is the most sublime experience imaginable. Here we are instructed on the Word of God, contained in the Scriptures and Sacred Tradition of the Church. Christ, the Son of the Living God and the Second Person of the Trinity, allows Himself to be summoned from His throne on high in heaven. By the power given to our priests at the time of their ordination, God manifests Himself in the accidents of bread and wine. Why? Because the Word desires intimacy with His people; an intimacy so profound as to defy description or explanation.