MASS...

The halos of the saints

Plain-faced yet bemused

The burning incense from the thurible

Swinging like a giant pendulum

In the hands of the alter boy

Our pious faces ashen with repentance 

Our hearts of varied consistency

Some good soil, pliable

Others hewn rocks, impregnable

I admired the procession

As they made their way to the altar 

'In nomine Patri et filio...'

The Trinity has descended

The Holy Spirit set to rekindle

Our smothered flame

'Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa'

Sin departs 

Forgiveness granted

Our hearts emboldened

Our divine relationship restored 

The readings spoke to me

'O that today you listen to his voice

Harden not your heart'

As I chanted the responsorial psalm

I felt my fortresses breaking down

The Lord taking possession of His own 

No arguments, no rationalizations

Stunned, I moped throughout the homily

Trying to figure out the turmoil in my mind

Hearing one faint, small voice 

Consecration came

The priest with intense fervor

Is turning bread and wine

Into the body and blood of Christ

Calvary is re-enacted

Heaven and earth watched in amazement 

I knelt in awe in humble adoration

Grateful for witnessing the making of history 

'Pater noster, qui est in caelis...'

We said the Lord's prayer

Beseeching to be delivered from all evil

At the 'Lamb of God'

Mercy is unleashed

The feast is ready 

As I walked back from the altar

After receiving His body and blood

I heard the voice again

This time it was distinct

'You are mine'