This series of morceaux are focusing upon what we need to begin the Holy Eucharist. The people and ministers have assembled for Mass, with all of the things that they need for the celebration.
At this point I want to say something about décor. Nobody would ever invite friends over without making sure the house is presentable. When you stop to think about it, this is the first step in putting together a good environment for Mass: the cleanliness of the church building. The prettiest arrangement of flowers in the world won’t matter a bit if it’s competing with clutter, dust, and disorder!
One of my pet peeves has always been “clutter.” I once went into a little rural church where practically everything used at Mass was all kept on the altar table. True! Every book was there, plus extra cloths, stacks of plates to use at communion, tupperware containers of hosts, a bottle of wine, candles, matches, incense – even a dispenser of Scotch tape for some reason! The obvious conclusion to be made was that the priest and people there not only were sloppy but also didn’t really care about the sacred mysteries they celebrate at Mass.
Thoughtful liturgy-preparers set out those things needed for Mass, each in its proper place. Things we won’t need today are left in the closet or cabinet where they can be found easily!
