May 13-15, 2020 - The Concluding Rites

As we began, so we finish, with a seemingly menial and drab ending at least in name alone - "concluding rites". What is contained here? These rites include: the announcements, final blessing and dismissal, and recessional. Just as the priest greeted the congregation at the beginning of the Mass, so now the presider greets the congregation again and blesses them.

Before we wrap up with the concluding rites, let's reflect briefly on the last part of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Holy Communion. The Eucharist is the summit and highpoint of the Mass, and our reception of Holy Communion brings about our most full and complete participation in the Sacrifice of the Mass through our union with Jesus. We are united to Jesus, and through Him, with Him and in Him we offer ourselves to God the Father. We receive as well the graces and benefits of union with God by the openness of heart and depth of our faith. Thus intentional silence or hymns that help us to reflect on this truth are sung or played to assist our prayer. We should always take time for this essential prayer of thanksgiving after receiving Holy Communion. 

Once we have completed the time of thanksgivinig, where we have in our own way offered thanks to Jesus for giving Himself in sacrifice for us and our salvation, and offered ourselves to Him through a commitment to live by His teachings, then we come to the concluding parts of the mass. The Liturgy of the Eucharist is concluded with the closing prayer. This prayer 'collects' each of our individual "yes" to be faithful disciples of Jesus in which we seek God's grace help us to keep this commitment. These last rites are simple but in them we are taking on great responsibility as God is investing us with the strength, courage and grace to bring Him into our world. 

Immediately following the closing prayer there may be announcements made by the priest or one of the faithful. These are primarily to announce opportunities for us to carry out the mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus. Through social gatherings, service events or evangelization opportunities we are given specific chances to deepen our commitent to Jesus through our parish community, and events to which we can invite our friends and family. These gentle invitations, and our willingness to sacrifice our time and talents to participate, help us to truly live as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ. 

Finally, we come to the final blessing, dismissal and recessional hymn. Too often this time of the Mass is overlooked, and if the announcements have been too long, it can feel even more rushed. We might feel agitated and anxious to get going. We may even be tempted to leave early. These last words are important and should be encouraging for us and even be exciting!

The whole Mass has been preparing us for this final blessing and dismissal. Yes, the highpoint of the Mass has passed but the Mass is not yet complete. It is like the final word from a commanding officer to his army before sending them off, but our commander is God Himself in Jesus Christ. The blessing and dismissal are Jesus' words of encouragement to excite hope, joy and convicted faith into the hearts of the faithful. Now you are not going to hear at this time the president's speech from the movie "Independence Day". The words of Jesus are few but powerful to those who have faith.

The word “Mass” comes from the Latin word, “Missa”. At one time the dismissal words were “Ite, missa est,” meaning “Go, you are sent.” The liturgy does not simply come to an end. Those assembled are sent forth to bring the fruits of the Eucharist to the world. With the blessing of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we are sent out to live the message of salvation that we have heard proclaimed and to invite others to know and accept this message through our example of love.