The Christian at mass

Preface

" The Christian at Mass " might be very simply prejBxed with the old proverb, — " a friend in need is a friend indeed."

And this proverb would both in the manner and matter express what the writer of this little book wants it to be, — -a very honest and direct " friend." It was written in the intervals of unceasing work by a pastor for his flock. It makes clear the meaning of the Mass in all its parts. It points directly to the centre of the Sacrifice, — the Passion and Death of its High Priest and Victim, Jesus Christ. It leaves nothing unexplained ; it speaks for itself ; and the writer is willing to let it so speak. Merely quoting the words of one who has carefully read the MS., — ^^^The Christian at Mass^ lifts the veil that covers infinite treasures from the sight of the Christian ; it will not only make the reader more pious, but more intelligently pious."

ill

PARTS OF THE MASS.

t

ALLEfiORICAl MEANING.

PAGE.

Preface , iii

Introduction xix

The Christian to Mass 1

The Priest from the Sacristy to the Sanctuary... 3

The place whereon the Priest locates the veiled chalice 3

The Priest going to the Epistle side and opening the Missal 3

The Priest descending to the lowest step of the Altar

The Priest beginning the Mass with the sign of the cross and the recitation of the 42nd psalm.

The Priest, reverently inclined, reciting the CoN-

FITEOR

Eeflections

Christ from His last supper-chamber to Gethsemani. Keflections.

The lonely spot selected by Christ to prepare for His sacrifice. Reflections

Judas Iscariot on his way to the high priests and princes of the Jews to open his plan of delivering Jesus into their hands. Reflections..

Christ withdrawing from the apostles to be alone and kneel to pray. Reflections

Christ's mental agony for the impending sufferings and death on a cross. Reflections...

The internal combat of Jesus, and His expostulation with the Father to spare Him the chalice of sufferings and death.

Reflections.

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THE CHRISTIAN AT MASS.

PACK.

The Priest ascending the Altar steps 8

The l^riesi Kissing the Altar 12

The Priest going to the Missiil 16

The Priest reading the Introit 17

Tiie Priest going to the

middle of the Altar IS

The Priest reciting the

KyRIE ELEISON 18

The Priest reciting the Gloria in excelsis... 19

The Priest turning towards the people and saying Dominus vobis- CUM 20

Tiie Priest going to the Missal to read the Epistle. 24

The beginning of the reading of the Epistle 25

The Priest continuing the reading of the Epistle. 26

The Priest reading the Gradual and Tract in a lower tone of voice. 29

I'Ai.K.

Christ offers Himself ready to suffer and die for men's salvation. Reflections 8

Judas kisses Jesus. Reflections 12

Christ bound with ropes is dragged by an armed mob, and brought before Annas. Reflections. 17

Christ stands as a criminal before Annas. Reflections 17

Christ is sent by Annas to ('alphas. Kkflkctions. 18

Caiphasengaged in finding false witnesses against Christ, and Christ spit upon — struck on the face and mocked. Reflections 18

Peter denies his Divine Master. Reflections. 19

Christ glances at Peter after his third denial, and Peter met His eye.

Reflections 20

Christ brought before Pontius Pilate. Reflections 24

The opening of Christ's trial. Reflections.... 25

Pilate hears the charges against Christ. Reflections 26

Pilate thinks and resolves what to do with Christ ; and the high priests and scribes whisper to one another to force Pilate to put Christ to death.

Reflections 29

THE CHRISTIAK AT MASSs

VU

The carrying of the Missal to the Gospel Side.. 31

The Priest reverently inclined in the middle of the Altar, recites the

MUNDA COR MEUM —

cleanse my heart 34

The Priest reads the Gospel , 39

The practice of making The Sign of the Cross on the Forehead, Mouth and Breast, at the beginning of the reading of the Gospel.. 44

After the Gospel, the Priest preaches a Sermon 44

The Priest recites the Credo 47

Why, in olden times, only exemplary Christians were permitted to be present at Mass from the Offertory out 51

Why the Priest kisses the Altar in the Middle of it 52

PAGE.

Christ led from Pilate to Plerod. Keflections.. 32

Christ refuses to say a word in answer to Herod's many questions, and is clothed with a white garment to be mocked. Eeflec- TIONS 34

Christ declares that He is also God. Keflections 39

It is to acknowledge Christ as Divine Teacher ; to show readiness to listen to His teachings; to manifest the duty to confess one's sins to obtain forgiveness ; and make profession of sorrow and gratitude. Reflections 44

The word of God preached to the people. Keflections 44

Christ established the kingdom of truth upon earth to have all men to conform to His teachings. Keflections.... 47

To show veneration for the sacred mysteries of the Altar. Keflections... 51

Because on that spot there is a sacred stone incased, which signifies Christ — the corner-stone of the Church. The Priest kisses it to imbibe the spirit of Christ, that he may communicate a por-

VIII

THE CHRISTIAN AT MASS.

lloart-luuchinj:: scene l)etween the Triest turning towards tlie people and sayin*,', Dominus vobis- CUM, and the people answering^ throii>(ii the server of the Mass, or the choir, Kt cum spiritu tuo

Being again turned towards the Altar, the Triest says with audible voice: Oremus 53

The Offertory 54

The Priest taking off the veil from the Chalice... 61

The Priest offering the unconsecrated host to the Blessed Trinitv

The Priest pouring wine and a few drops of water in the Chalice for theOflertory 63

PAQE.

tion of it to the people present 52

The Priest's wish that the spirit of the Lord may be as fully with the people present as it was with His first disciples is joyfully recipro(,'ated by the people. Reflections 53

It is an earnest invitation to the people to pray, and thus prepare for the approaching act of the Consecration. Reflections 53

It expre&ses (1) the practical ideal of Christian life, viz.: prayer, alms-giving, fasting, and Holy Communion, (2) Christ offering Himself as victim of propitiation upon the Altar.

Reflections 54

Christ stripped of His garments, and most cruelly scourged. Reflections'. 61

Christ offering His bruised and bleeding Body as a sacrifice to His Father for the remission of men's sins. Reflections 62

It represents the Blood and water which came out from the side of Jesus — opened with a spear after His death.

Reflections. The

wine represents the Blood of Christ; the

THE CHRISTIAN AT MASS.

IX

The Priest offering the Chalice with wine and water, saying : we offer, etc 64

The Priest putting the PALii on the Chalice after its offering 68

The Priest standing on the Epistle side and washing the extremities of both thumbs and forefingers, while reciting part of psalm xx vth . 70

The Priest in the middle of the Altar, raising his eyes to God, and praying in inclined posture 72

The Priest turning towards the people and saying : Orate, fra- TRES ; and returning to face the Altar by making a circle 72

After the Orate, fra- TRES, the Priest no longer facing the people till towards the end of the Mass 77

PAGE.

water represents the people for whose redemption His Blood was shed. Reflections... 63

Both the Priest and the people offer the Sacrifice conjointly. Reflections 65

It represents the crown of thorns plaited and pressed on the head of Jesus, Reflections 68

Pilate feigning his innocence by washing his hands before the people.

Reflections 70

Supplication to the Blessed Trinity to accept the Sacrifice about being accomplished for his own salvation, — for that of the people present, and of those for whom it is offered. Reflections 72

It represents Christ with a scarlet garment on His mangled and bleeding Body, a reed in His right hand, a crown of thorns on His head, shown to the people by Pilate, saying : Ecce Homo — Behold the man. Reflections.... 73

It represents the Priest closeted with God to entreat Him with renewed insistence to accept the Adorable Sacrifice he is about to offer 77

THE CHRISTIAN AT MASS.

The Priest reading or singing the Preface...

The Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, and Ho

SANNA 79

After the Sanctus, the Priest lifting his liands and eyes to heaven, and praying in inclined posture ^ 80

Tlie Priest making signs of the cross over the chalice and the host 81

The Memento for the living 86

TAGK.

It represents the public declaration of Christ's innocence by Pilate, while delivering Him to His enemies to be crucified. Reflections 78

It represents the solemn reception given to Christ on entering Jerusalem a short time before ; but now changed into the clamoring for His death. Reflections 79

It represents Jesus condemned to death. Reflections 80

It represents the enemies of Jesus hastening to carry out His sentence of death. Reflections 81

Jesus is entreated by the Priest that as He carried the sins of all men, suflered and died on a cross for their expiation, so He may vouchsafe to grant the fruit thereof to the person for whom the Mass is being ofiiered, and to those, also, whom he recommends to Him. It is, moreover, a reminder of the fact that all men were by their sins an instrument of the Passion of Jesus. Reflections 86

THE CHKISTIAN AT MASS.

XI

PAGE.

The COMMUNICANTES 86

The Priest extending both hands over the chalice and the host 87

The Priest making three signs of the cross over the host, and one sign over the chalice 88

Immediately before the Consecration, the server of the Mass kneels a little behind the Priest, and lifts the hem of his chasuble 92

The Priest making three signs of the cross over the host and the chalice conjointly, and one sign over the host and another over the chalice separately 92

The Priest whispering a short prayer to the Most High 92

PAGE.

The Priest entreats Christ — the Head of the Universal Church — viz. militant,— suffering and triumphant, to extend the fruit of the Sacrifice to the faithful on earth by granting them grace and salvation ; to the souls in Purgatory by giving them relief, and to the Saints in heaven by making them enjoy ever more the bliss of eternal glory. Reflections... 86

It represents Jesus rudely seized by His enemies, a heavy cross laid on His mangled shoulders, and made to carry it on the steep road to Calvary. Reflections... 87

It represents Jesus stripped of His clothes, and His Crucifixion. Reflections 88

It indicates the union of Priest and people in the offering of the Sacrifice.

Reflections 92

It is to indicate the memorial of and the fruit from the Passion of our Lord. Reflections... 92

It reminds the Christian of what Jesus said to His twelve disciples immediately before and

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THE CHRISTIAN AT MASS.

The Consecration 93

The Priest raising the consecrated elements above his head 95

The Calvary 96

After the Elevation, the Priest is seen with extended hands, absorbed in silent prayer 103

The Priest takes a suppliant posture and silently prays for himself and the people 105

The Memento for the Dead 106

Two other crosses besides that of Jesus 110

The Priest is heard saying : Nobis quoque

PECCATORIBUS, also tO

us sinners 116

The Pater Noster 118

PAGE.

after His last supper.

Kkflections 93

The Priest's power to consecrate. Reflections.. 93

It represents the lifting of the cross with Jesus on it. Reflections 95

It means man's skull, and indicates that Jesus Christ was crucified on the spot where Adam was buried. Reflections 96

This represents Jesus Christ silently praying from the cross, — patiently bearing His most excruciating torments.

Reflections 103

Reflections 105

Reflections 106

Reflections on the two thieves crucified alongside of Jesus 112

It reminds the Christian of the good thief who, also, from a cross, was beggincr Jesus to pardon him his crimes, and save his soul. Reflections. 113

Its seven petitions are a reminder of the seven words spoken by Jesus from the cross. Reflections 118, 133

THE CHRISTIAN AT MASS.

XUl

First petition: Our Father, WHO ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME

Second petition : Thy Kingdom come

Third petition : thy will

BE DONE ON EARTH AS

it is in heaven

Fourth petition : Give us

THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD...

Fifth petition : Forgive us OUR trespasses, as we forgive them who trespass against us...

vSixth petition: lead us

NOT INTO temptation.

Seventh petition : But

DELIVER us FROM EVIL.

The last petition : But

DELIVER us FROM

EVIL, is made by the people through the server of the Mass, or by

the choir 141

The Priest ratifying the last petition by saying, in a loud voice : Amen ; and specifying its meaning in a silent prayer.... 142

PAGE.

First word : Father, forgive them, for they know not what they DO. Keflegtions 103

Second word: Amen, I

SAY TO THEE, THIS DAY THOU SHALT BE WITH

ME IN Paradise. Ee-

FLECTIONS 115

Third word : Woman, behold thy son, — behold thy mother.

Keflegtions 118

Fourth word: Eli, Eli, Lamma Sabagthani, that is My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me. Ee- FLECTiONS. Considerations on Holy Communion 119

Fifth word: I thirst!

Eeflections 125

Sixth word: It is consummated. Eeflegtions 151

Seventh word: Father, INTO Thy hands I gommend my spirit.

Eeflections 152

It refers to the past, present, and future evil.

Eeflections 142

Eeflections ,. 142

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THE CHRISTIAN AT MASS.

The Priest holding the Sacred Host over the Chalice, and hreaking it in three parts 144

The Priest holding a part of the Sacred Host over the Chalice, and saying : Pax DOMINI SIT semper voBiscuM — " May the peace of the Lord always be with you "... 149

The Priest dropping a part of the Sacred Host into the Chalice 150

The Agnus Dei.

" Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world," with the repealed words, miserere NOBIS — " Have mercy upon us,'^ and the words Dona nobis PACEM — ''Give us peace" 155

The Priest taking an inclined posture, — reciting silent prayers while striking his breast 167

PAGE.

In olden times, a much larger Host was used to give Holy Conun union to the j)eople present.

Keflections 144

It represents Jesus dying on the cross. Keflections.

The great inheritance bequeathed to us from the cross by the Man-God, Jesus Christ. Reflections 150

It represents tlie signing of the treaty of peace with Godand men. Reflections 150

And, Jesus Christ descending into Limbo. Reflections 154

It recalls to mind the various wonders, and the conversion of spectators of the crucifixion, at the moment of the death of Jesus. Reflections... 155

It also represents the admirable effects of His death. Reflections.. 156

It indicates belief in the real presence of Jesus Ciirist on the Altar, — sincere sorrow for sins, and supplication for the grace of conversion and pardon. They are the dispositions for a proximate preparation to receive the Body and

THE CHRISTIAN AT MASS.

XV

The Priest uncovering the Chalice, and taking the Com munion

The Priest covering the Chalice with the veil and burse, and the Server of the Mass carrying the Missal to the Epistle side 186

The Priest leaving the middle of the Altar and going to the Missal. 187

The Priest back to the Missal 188

The Priest passing from the Missal to the middle of the Altar, then turning towards the people, and giving them the usual salutation 190

The Priest going back to the Missal — saying one or more prayers, and, then, closing it 191

PAGE.

Blood of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion.

Reflections... 168

The first represents the taking down of the dead Body of Jesus from the cross, and the placing of It in the lap of His sorrowful Mother ; the second figures the burial of It.

Reflections.., 174

All this represents the great stir which took place on the day after the burial of Jesus among the chief priests and pharisees, who hastened to Pilate to express their fears, and ask him to station guards around the sepulchre of Jesus. Reflections. .» 186

This act reminds the Christian of the Soul of Christ returning from Limbo with the host of the holy souls just delivered from it. Reflections. 188

It represents the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Reflections 188

All this represents Jesus Christ appearing alive, and giving peace to His disciples. Reflections , 190

It represents Jesus teaching His disciples during the 40 days after His Resurrection ; then, His

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THE CHRISTIAN AT MASS.

The Blessing by the Pkiest of the people present 194

The Last Gospel 197

PACK.

Ascension into heaven.

Reflections 191

This Blessing represents

THE DI-^sCEST OF THE

Holy Ghost. Reflections 194

It represents Jesns Christ crowned with glory and honor in heaven, and assisting His Church on earth all days even to the consummation of the world.

Reflections 197

1. Precious fruits of the Mass 210

2. The Mass the means to pay our debts to God 210

3. We owe God honor, SATii?FACTiON, gratitude, and

dependence 210

4. Honor toCJod 211

5. Satisfaction toGod 216

6. The Sacrifice of the Mass appeases God^s justice 216

7. The Mass a prop//iV(/or?/ Sacrifice 218

8. The Mass also beneficial to the absent, living or dead. 219

9. The Mass satisfying God's justice 221

10. Gratitude to God 225

11. God's liberality 226

12. Goil's benefits in the order of nature 226

13. (lod's benefits in the order of grace 227

14. The Holy Eucharist — the climax of God's benefits

15. Ingratitude 229

16. Priest and people join in thanking God 229

17. People's practical manifestation of their gratitude to

God 229

18. Tests of gratitude 230

19. The first test is remembrance of God's benefits 231

20. The second test is love to the benefactor 232

21. The third test is an earnest endeavor to serve GoiL... 233

22. The fourth test is earnestness in praising and thank-

ing God 234

23. Dependence upon God's Bounty 239

THE CHRISTIAN AT MASS. XVll

PAGE.

24. Man's wants 239

25. Man's temporal wants.. 239

26. Man's spiritual wants 239

27. Necessity of the grace of direction 240

28. God's special help — necessary for three things 240

29. Necessity of the grace of protection 243

30. The Sacrifice of the Mass — the infallible means to

secure God's necessary help 245

31. Jesus Christ — our advocate with God 245

32. Practical manner of hearing Mass 247

33. What the Christian should know when he is going to

Church 248

34. What the eyes of the Christian's soul sees in the

Mass 248

35. What the Christian knows about the spiritual riches

of the Mass 249

36. Necessity of these riches to the Christian 249

37. Disposition of body and soul required for the fruitful

hearing of the Mass before, during and after it 249

38. Disposition of the body before Mass 250

39. Why the Priest eats and drinks nothing before his

Mass, or Masses , 250

40. What should be avoided in the manner of dressing,

before goin^ to Church 250

41. The reason with an illustration 250

42. Dispositions of the body in Church 251

43. Extremes to be avoided after Mass 251

44. Dispositions of the soul before leaving home for

Church 252

45. Illustration 252

46. The Christian in state of mortal sin before Church

time 252

47. What the Christian present at the Mass should be.... 252

48. The Christian at the Consecration in the Mass 255

49. The Christian at the Priest's Communion in the Mass. 255

50. Conclusion of the practical manner of hearing Mass. 255

51. Appendix 257

52. The Christian at Requiem Mass 257

53. Why sacred vestments of five different colors are used

at the Altar 257

54. How old is this practice 258

55. Testimony from the Apocalypse 258

56. Why vestments of white color? 259

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57. Why vestments of red color? 259

58. Why vestments of ^Teen color? 260

59. Wiiy vestments of purple color ? 260

60. Why vestments of black color? 260

61. The number of Masses for the dead, in the Missal 260

62. The first Mmss of Requiem 261

68. The second Mass of Keep Turn 261

64. The tbird M.iss of Requiem 261

Qci. The fourth Mass of Requiem 261

66. Merits of the Mass of Requiem 262

67. Mass for All Souls 263

68. The first prayer 265

69. The Kpistle and Gospel 265

70. The Dies ine 266

71. The Ofl'ertory 266

72. The Mass for the dav of death, or burial 267

73. Tbe first praver .' 267

74. The Epistle.' 268

76. Consolations to those who grieve over a dead relative

or friend 268-9

76. The Gospel 269

77. The use of liquors and flowers to be discountenanced

and abandoned 271

78. The Anniversary Mass 272

79. The first prnyer 272

80. Tbe Epistle 273

81. The Gospel 273

82. Tbe Daily Mass for the Dead 274

83. The first prayer 274

84. The Epistle 274

85. The (iospel 275

86. Practical conclusions 276

INTRODUCTION,

Dear Christian Reader :

The preparation of the following Instructions and their presentation to the public, are mostly due to one, whose earnest suggestion was a command. It was that I should explain the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

This task was, therefore, undertaken with the intent of aiding the Christian to assist at Mass with the spirit for which it was instituted by our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ. " The Christian at Mass^' will, then, enable you to relish and profit more by the Mass, with, or without, the prayer-book.

This little volume consists of a series of Instructions on the allegorical meanings of the principal parts of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass — all bearing on the Passion and Death of Its High Priest and Victim — Jesus Christ, — on the subsequent mysteries of Redemption, — on the precious fruits of the Mass, — on the

xix

XX THE CHRISTIAN AT MASS.

practical manner of hearing it, and, as an appendix, on the Maijs for the dead, said in bhick vestments.

The result from its perusal will be to have your mind and heart riveted on the scene enacted on Calvary, — on the mysteries that followed, as mystically reproduced on the Altar. You will, thereby, be aided to harvest from the Mass an abundance of its immense riches.

All the good that may be done by the perusing of these pages, is by the writer offered to the honor and glory of God, and of His Son — our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev. Joseph L. Andreis.

Baltimore, Maryland, 1895.

THE CHRISTIAN AT MASS.

FIRST INSTRUCTION.

WHEN he leaves his house^ to be present at the offering of the Adorable Sacrifice of the Mass, the Christian shows that he is aware of St. PauFs saying : " We have not here a lasting city, but we seek one that is to come ; ^^ ^ that faith teaches him that God has made him for heaven, his only lasting home ; and that he remembers the words of Christ spoken after His last supper : '^ In My Father's house there are many mansions. ... I go to prepare a place for you.'' ^

He also shows he believes that by the offering of Masses and other suffrages for souls in Purgatory, he intends to hasten their entrance into the place he craves for himself — heaven. Whenever he thinks

1 Hebr., xiii, 14. ^ g^. John, xiv, 2.

of, or celebrates the least ol' All Saints, he is irresistibly forced to ask himself: "Shall I also be of their number? Shall I also stand with them before the throne of God and in the sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and holding a palm in my hands? Shall I join them in singing praises to God, and to the Lamb? Shall I also be led to drink at the fountains of the waters of life, and have God wipe away all tears from my eyes?" The Angel of Faith whispers, that just as he now passes from his house to the house of worship, so will he pass from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant ; and just as he now comes before the Altar wdiereon the Divine Lamb is slain anew for his redemption, so will he go before the throne of His glory in heaven. It is to realize these longings that the Christian comes before the Altar, and follow^s step by step the Divine Victim AVho offers Himself in sacrifice as on Mount Calvary through the ministry of the Priest empowered by Him. The Christian believes that this Divine Victim is the Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ, who is morally present in His Priest personating Him; the Christian also firmly believes that Jesus Christ \s physically present in that which the Priest offers ; and, therefore He, by means of the Priest, as His intelligent instrument, offers sacrifice, and in that sacrifice He is Himself the Victim. Hence, by assisting at Mass, the Christian adores Him, thanks Him, supplicates Him for the grant of the graces necessary to fidelity, of pardon for infidelities, and of mercy to supersede the too-welldeserved rigor of justice.

With his soul thus predisposed, and his body reverently postured, the Christian beholds the Priest in his sacerdotal vestments and with a veiled chalice in his hands, advancing with grave composure from the Sacristy to the Sanctuary^ and he piously imagines he sees the Lord Jesus Christ just coming from His last supper-chamber. Who, in company with only three of His Apostles, namely, Peter, James and John, directs His divine steps to the country place called Gethsemani. The place whereon the Priest puts the veiled chalice reminds the Christian of the lonely spot in Gethsemani, which Jesus selected to prepare for His sacrifice. When the Priest goes to the Epistle side and opens the book called the Missal, the Christian thinks of Judas Iscariot on his way to the high priest and the princes of tlie Jews, to open his mind to tlieni concerning his vile plan of delivering his Divine Master into their hands.

In tlie (lescendino; of the Priest from the Altar to its lowest step, the Christian sees Christ, Who, being conscions of the dark doings of His faithless disciple, ^^ begins to fear and feel sorrowful ; '^ ^ bids His three Apostles " watch and pray that they may not enter into temptation;''^ and, " withdrawing away a stone's throw from them. He Himself kneels down to pray." ^ The Christian is struck by the carefully chosen wording used by St. Luke in qualifying as a withdrawal the leaving of Jesus from His company, and sees its meaning, namely : that in the condition of great sadness from which He was suffering, His natural inclination i)rompted Him to remain with His friends ; but, following the counsel of His own spirit. He tore Himself away from them in order to be alone with His Heavenly Father, and thus seek comfort and consolation in Him instead of in men. With this example before his eyes, the Christian learns that in his afflictions he must not put his chief

^St. Mark, xiv, 33. ^St. Luke, xxii, 41.

hope of consolation in man, nor immoderately seek after earthly satisfactions; but first^ as St. James says, crave at God^s hands, and expect them from Him/ after the example of the prophet David, who said : ^^ My soul refused to be comforted ; I remembered God, and was delighted. ^^^

When the Priest at the foot of the Altar begins the Mass by making the sign of the cross on himself and reciting the 42d Psalm^ the Christian imagines he sees the terrible scene of sufferings and death on the cross as it was present to the mind of Christ, and perceives how terribly it affected Him, since it so overcame Him as to cause Him to " fall flat on the ground,^^^ and suffer such great agony as to sweat blood so that its " drops were trickling down upon the ground.'^ ^ At this juncture the Christian is informed by St. Luke that, " being in agony, Christ prayed the longer ; ^^ ^ and is told by St. Matthew that Christ^s prayer was : " My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.^^ ^

2 Ps. Lxxvi, 4. * XXII, 43.

It is when the Priast profoundly inclines to recite the Confiteor, that the Christian pictures to himself the agonizing Jesus expostulating with His Eternal Father, and apprehends in that prayer the intense combat between His inferior will and His superior will — the will of the flesh and the will of the spirit. The inferior will, the will of the flesh, refused to sutTer and meet the ignominious death of the cross, because of the natural repugnance to suffer and die, and because it seemed vain that He should submit to His Passion for the sake of people who had persistently resisted Him, persecuted Him, and were now seeking His destruction ; nay, even for the sake of His very disciples, for they had forsaken Him. But His superior will, the will of His spirit, which constantly was subject to the will of His Eternal Father, as He Himself had formerly declared, saying: ^^ I do always the things that please Him,'^ ^ demanded the surrender of His inferior will : ^' not as I will, but as thou wilt.^^ The redemption and salvation of mankind had to be accomplished through His Passion and death ; hence, with His superior will, Jesus said to His Heavenly Father :