I was recently reminded of an old Anglo-Catholic phrase “assisting at Mass.” We Anglo-Catholics have a peculiar language at times, but below its quirkiness lies a rich piety if we aim to discover it. “Assisting at Mass” doesn’t refer merely to those serving at the altar, nor does it apply only to clergy or musicians. Assisting at Mass is the duty of everyone present.
The Anglo-Catholic tradition has been accused at times of clericalism and of promoting an individualistic piety. I’m sure it has been and is true in some (many?) Anglo-Catholic parishes. But if we dig below the surface of dutiful observance and obligation (both of which can be good things), we’ll find that the phrase “assisting at Mass” is anything but clericalist. To assist at Mass isn’t only to show up; it’s to invest oneself in the Mass. Assisting at Mass assumes that a Mass needs more than just a priest. It needs a priest and at least one other person present.
Have you ever noticed the way the Amen following the Canon of the Mass is printed in our prayer book (and leaflet)? It’s in capital letters and italics. This Amen is the assent of the congregation to Christ’s presence in the Sacrament of the Altar. The priest can pray all she or he wants, but the voice of the congregation and their presence—indeed, their assistance—are necessary. Christianity is not an individualistic affair. We probably need this reminder more than ever in the age of livestreaming. Livestreaming is a gift to connect our parish with friends near and far. It’s a gift to those of us who must stay at home due to illness but want to worship online. But livestreaming is no substitute for our fleshly presence at the Mass. It’s no substitute for receiving Christ’s Body and Blood, which restores our bodies and souls.
I frequently reflect on what it means to be Anglo-Catholic in the Episcopal Church in this century, when we have a Catholic prayer book and the Eucharist is now the principal service of worship on the Lord’s Day. Part of what it means, in my humble opinion, is to call the wider Church—specifically the Episcopal Church—to a robust practice of worship, especially an observance of the Church’s great rhythm of prayer and celebrations of the liturgical seasons, feasts, and fasts. Worship is not mere perfunctory observance. Worship is a living encounter with the One in whom we find abundant life and salvation, Jesus Christ. This encounter, which is part of how we are saved, means that we must show up first. We show up sometimes when we aren’t “feeling like it.” When we “aren’t feeling like it” is precisely when we most need it. Worship requires our physical presence, in person, so that our bodies can breathe and sing and kneel and stand in real time with the physical bodies of our friends in Christ.
And so, “assistance at Mass” isn’t specifically an Anglo-Catholic thing, but because Anglo-Catholics famously worship a lot, perhaps it’s our gift to the wider Church to call more people into a hearty liturgical practice. People frequently comment to me on how much worship we have at Good Shepherd, especially considering our size. That’s true. But I hope it’s not a burden to us. I hope it’s life-giving. It’s an integral part of how we can genuinely discern God’s call to us in mission and service. A regular practice of worship is crucial to our salvation, because salvation is not about “me and God.” Salvation is about “us and God” and a shared life where we all exhort and “assist” one another in growing more and more into the likeness of God. After all, Jesus came to draw all people to himself, as St. John tells us (12:32).
During this season of the calendar year, when weather is cold, inconvenient, and downright unpleasant at times, we may need a reminder of “assisting at Mass” more than ever. As the Preface of the Mass reminds us, “[i]t is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God.” The fruits of our “assistance” might be felt right after Mass, but more likely, they won’t. You may feel those fruits three days later or three years later. The point is that we show up to “assist.” We assist on Sundays, but also on weekdays, on feast days, and on days of fasting. Our presence is necessary. And what a delight and privilege it is that by virtue of the Incarnation we can dare to call God “Abba,” Father. What a joy that our presence at Mass is not optional, our presence is necessary. I will look forward to seeing you on Sunday to assist in the holy mysteries of our living encounter with the One who gives us life.
Yours in Christ,
Father Kyle