Heaven and earth unite...

I'm no theologian or liturgist, I'm just an ordinary Catholic layman.  I attend the Ordinary Form of Mass, and yes, I very much appreciate the new translation of prayers which instruct and lift our hearts into the mysteries we celebrate and participate.  The liturgy actually instructs and guides, forms and enlightens our faith.  It seems to me the liturgy literally unites heaven and earth - what we celebrate here below is what is celebrated in the heavenly court.  Christ promised that what the Church binds on earth is bound in heaven - thus, if the Church proclaims this day as the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on earth - it is the same in heaven.  United with the heavenly court, as affirmed in the invitation before the Sanctus, 'and so, with all the angels and saints we praise you, as without end we acclaim'... the Immaculate Conception.

So you see the liturgy is more than 'say the black, do the red' - it is an actual participation in the Sacred Mysteries.  It is the prayer of the Church.  Today, we glimpse heaven in the Immaculate Conception... in and through the liturgy "Heaven is opened..." as the Book of Revelation says.  The liturgy for the feast of the Immaculate Conception is sacred and instructive and critical for our salvation.  Those who say, 'the liturgy will save the world' are absolutely correct.  Yet the liturgy is specific.

Which is why it is most important for American Catholics to keep this day holy, and attend Mass for the Immaculate Conception - unless of course, for good reason they are unable to do so.

One Mass for the Immaculata... let her encompass you and lift you up...

Don't go in for the two-for-one deal.

Happy feast day!