THE LITURGICAL FRAMEWORK
Continued . . .
56--What is the origin of Mass vestments?
In the early days of Christianity, the vestments worn by the priest at Mass were those worn by laymen of the time, in their homes and on the street. Since that time, as we all know, fashions have changed. Yet the Church still uses her first vestments as precious heirlooms; carrying us back through the ages to Christ at the last Supper, thus affording us a vivid historical witness to the antiquity of the Mass.
These sacrificial vestments likewise have their own language. The priest is reminded that each vestment bears a relation to Christ and to the Sacrifice.
The priest is clothed from head to foot in symbolic garments. This should invite you to "put on" Christ in your spiritual life; divesting your entire self of selfishness and sinful habits--sacrificing everything to acquire the mentality and dispositions of Christ.
[From 'Your Mass and Your Life,' to be continued . . .]
In the early days of Christianity, the vestments worn by the priest at Mass were those worn by laymen of the time, in their homes and on the street. Since that time, as we all know, fashions have changed. Yet the Church still uses her first vestments as precious heirlooms; carrying us back through the ages to Christ at the last Supper, thus affording us a vivid historical witness to the antiquity of the Mass.
These sacrificial vestments likewise have their own language. The priest is reminded that each vestment bears a relation to Christ and to the Sacrifice.
The priest is clothed from head to foot in symbolic garments. This should invite you to "put on" Christ in your spiritual life; divesting your entire self of selfishness and sinful habits--sacrificing everything to acquire the mentality and dispositions of Christ.
[From 'Your Mass and Your Life,' to be continued . . .]
