Expert: Sal - 2/9/2004

Question
Hi Sal,

I know I should have gone to confession by now, but I have an appointment next Sunday morning, so I will finally do it!  I have a few questions for you.  What is the origin of striking our breast when we confess our sins during mass?  Why do we make a cross upon our forehead, lips and breast before the reading of the gospel?  What is the origin of the word 'mass'?  Why do we say 'mass' and Protestants say 'service'?  Why do we say 'homily' and Protestants say 'sermon'? What is the origin of genuflection?

Thank you,

Les

Answer
Hello Les:

Congratulations on deciding to go to Confession. I know that God will bless you for it.

Striking the breast is meant to show sorrow. It is meant to indicate that one has a sorrowful heart.

Making the sign of the cross on one's forehead, lips, and breast at the announcement of the gospel is meant to signify asking God to keep the gospel message in one's mind, on one's lips, and in one's heart.

The word "mass" is taken from the Latin "dismissio" which means dismissal. It is the solemn form of taking leave. It is meant to show that the Mass is not meant to stay in the church building, but it is to go with us out into the world when we are dismissed.

Protestant Reformers wanted to get away from the Mass. They didn't believe in various aspects of it. They didn't believe in the ministerial priesthood necessary for Mass. They also did not believe in the ability to apply the merits of Mass to the souls of those in Purgatory, the existence of which they denied.

A homily and a sermon are two similar, but different things. A homily is an explication of the Bible readings. A homily is concerned with the meaning, context, and content of the Bible readings. Then the priest or deacon will usually draw out what application the reading has for contemporary life. A sermon starts with a particular verse or verses from the Bible chosen to show what point one wants to make. Then the person develops the theme. So a homily starts with the Bible readings and then determines what meaning they have, and a sermon starts with a meaning and finds verses that fit the meaning.

Genuflection is an ancient practice to show honor to someone. So we do this when we enter a pew for example, as we show honor and respect to the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle.

Once again congratulations on the decision to make a Confession. I will pray for you to make a good Confession.

God Bless You,
Sal