The mere recitation of long Creeds at Holy Mass does not bring light and life if the people do not mystically enter into the Mystery of the Cross in holy quiet prayers throughout. Instead, today, the priests stand in the way. And as the priest’s presence increases, union with the mystical Christ is obscured, because He, the Lord, is eclipsed by the ever-intrusive droning presence of announcements and the encouragement of very poor music and singing.

Instead of the priest moving directly and quickly towards the most sublime and central Act in human history amidst incense and the timeless of the Mystical Body, and carrying the sins and hopes of the poor in spirit to the re-Presentation of The Cross and Real Presence, which is the Mass itself, the priests, often full of embarrassing personality, eclipse the Vision of eternity and reduce the Creeds to lifeless forms and words.

By the time priests reach the Eucharist itself the Act of Consecration becomes the most rushed part of the Mass. The Bread and Cup of his Sacred Blood are lifted and put down, often cavalierly with one hand, and so fast it is easy for the People of God to miss the Cross altogether. Up. Down. Done. This is a spiritual crime.

It should be the Priests who quietly recites the Creeds as He prepares the Eucharistic Gifts. We can enter our presupposed Creeds with him in prayer in this way.

The Mass, with the ages, must show the Lord’s crucifixion again, a mystical Act so transcendent as to rivet the eyes, hearts, and prayers of the poor in spirit on the Mystery that passes all human knowledge.  There is no need for the lifeless reading of them. As the priest prays, instead of talks, there will be no need for anything else but the reading of the sacred Epistles and the Holy Gospel reading of the Day.

We do indeed need a reform of the Reform again. And choirs. Dismal barren liturgies must become a thing of the past. Because the more the Mass becomes superficial, the more the congregation is tempted to follow suit.

Stephen Hand