Concluding Rites: A Sending Forth in God's Peace
The Concluding Rites in the Catholic Mass mark the culmination of our communal worship, sending us forth to live out the teachings of Christ in our daily lives. Rooted in the teachings of the Catechism (CCC 1330-1348), the Concluding Rites hold deep meaning and significance, guiding us as we leave the sacred space of the Mass to carry the light of faith into the world.
Biblical Foundation: Jesus' Commission to Go and Proclaim
The Concluding Rites find their inspiration in Jesus' commission to His disciples. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." This biblical foundation emphasizes the call to go forth and spread the Good News.
Catechism's Insight: The Dismissal and Blessing
The Catechism teaches that the Concluding Rites consist of the final blessing and the dismissal, which is a sending forth in peace (CCC 1669). The final blessing invokes God's grace upon the assembly, and the dismissal signals the end of the Mass, prompting the faithful to go forth in the peace of Christ.
Steps of the Concluding Rites: A Sacred Transition
1. Final Blessing: The priest imparts a final blessing upon the assembly, invoking God's grace, love, and protection. This blessing serves as a source of strength and inspiration as we venture into the world.
2. Dismissal: The priest or deacon concludes the Mass by sending the assembly forth with a dismissal. This act symbolizes our mission to carry the light of Christ into the world, transforming our faith into action.
3. Response and Sending Forth: The assembly responds with an "Amen" to affirm their acceptance of the blessing. The Concluding Rites conclude with the invitation to go forth, living out the Gospel in our daily lives.
Significance: Carrying the Light of Christ Beyond the Altar
The Concluding Rites hold profound significance as they represent a sacred transition from the Mass to our everyday lives. The Catechism (CCC 1332) emphasizes that the Mass is not just a gathering; it is a sending forth—a mission to transform the world with the love and teachings of Christ.
Connection to Liturgical Seasons: Embracing the Liturgical Cycle
The Concluding Rites are intricately connected to the liturgical seasons, adapting to the themes and rhythms of the Church calendar. Whether during the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, or Easter, the concluding moments of the Mass remain a constant, grounding us in the timeless truths of our faith (CCC 1169).
Missionary Discipleship: Living the Gospel Beyond the Church Walls
As members of the Brotherhood of Ascension, the Concluding Rites remind us that our faith extends beyond the church walls. Inspired by the teachings of Christ and guided by the grace received in the Mass, we are called to be missionary disciples, sharing the love of God with the world.