Mass the other day at my Latin mass church which also has not-Latin ones but oh the difference from your average non-Latin mass where it’s kept up with the latest in non-Latin ways . . .

Sunday morning, it was . . .

This mass not a fun time full of bon homie culminating in delicious hand-waving delights before shuffling up to the wait stand where one or more priestly presiders wait to hand over the sacred host. In the hand or on the tongue, your choice, but stay on your feet, don’t kneel so you don’t distract from the procession element.

The usual event opens with the request that worshipers turn and say hello to the one another, introducing yourself if necessary. Point made: this is a gathering of the faithful to rejoice in each other’s presence and heighten their realization of being performers every bit as much as the presider up front.

Ah yes, the one ordained to consecrate and be upfront and be heard almost every syllable so they pay attention. He’s the chief, star performer, microphone-equipped, impossible to miss. Here’s looking at you, he might be saying, purveyor of thoughts for the day, clearly the Mister Big — even if a good priest. He was taught all this, after all.

Point isn’t he, anyhow, nor, God save the mark, my fellow worshipers. Point is what’s happened. I write stunned by comparing today’s latest ordo as done in most places with the rare find, a new ordo mass that captures the moment, deserving and getting the attention it deserves, sans priest facing the people, sans sign of peace, sans communion standing in the hand, sans everything that, bless me, distracts.

I’m thanking God for that.

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While I’m at it, let me drop a message from The Surrender Novena, suggested to me a few weeks back by a confessor to whom I had laid out my crimes against Hope (Trust) which led to my worrying about things.

The first day of which had this for its offering, in words of Jesus as recorded by Father Dolindo Ruotolo (1882-1970):

Why do you confuse yourselves by worrying? Leave the care of your affairs to me and everything will be peaceful. I say to you in truth that every act of true, blind, complete surrender to me produces the effect that you desire and resolves all difficult situations.

To be followed, every day of the nine, this aspiration, to be repeated ten times:

O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!

Yes.