tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post6440590665981781951..comments2024-03-18T15:28:13.866-04:00Comments on A Concord Pastor Comments: Homily for September 14Concord Pastorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322127779647130869noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post-10095683554348757922008-09-20T19:17:00.000-04:002008-09-20T19:17:00.000-04:00I wasn't very much distracted by the crucifix with...I wasn't very much distracted by the crucifix with the snake during the Eucharistic Prayer. When I was aware of its presence, I was more conscious of the crucifix because I've been reading that in some places (incuding St. Peter's in Rome) there's a move to have a crucifix and six candles on the altar facing the priest.<BR/><BR/>During the Eucharistic Prayer my attention is generally on the elements, on the people, on the book and, in my church, on stained glass window of the risen Christ directly opposite the altar.Concord Pastorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18322127779647130869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post-63385275104753213812008-09-20T19:05:00.000-04:002008-09-20T19:05:00.000-04:00I was curious about how you felt behind the altar ...I was curious about how you felt behind the altar blessing the eucharist while looking at a snake?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post-1415247563103666942008-09-15T23:06:00.000-04:002008-09-15T23:06:00.000-04:00Thanks! Truth be told, I actually PRACTICED that ...Thanks! Truth be told, I actually PRACTICED that twist of the wrist to make the "saraph" move!Concord Pastorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18322127779647130869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post-12540459655697348312008-09-15T22:04:00.000-04:002008-09-15T22:04:00.000-04:00Concord Pastor,Your twist of the wrist really made...Concord Pastor,<BR/>Your twist of the wrist really made this snake come alive. I am an adult and for a few seconds I thought it was real! This was an unforgettable image that will serve, for me at least, as a vivid reminder of the message of the Gospel. I think it was most effective.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post-7951913310512918612008-09-15T12:28:00.000-04:002008-09-15T12:28:00.000-04:00Anne: a good question! Over the years I've used a...Anne: a good question! Over the years I've used a number of visuals in my preaching so there's some context for my having done so yesterday. <BR/><BR/>Although I produced the snake from a woven basket, I don't think anyone (not even the kids!) believed it was real. A few folks did mention after Mass that they don't even like fake snakes. Some mentioned that they didn't even like looking at the picture of the snake on my post here earlier in the week!<BR/><BR/>Using the prop did help connect the image in Numbers with Jesus' words in John. <BR/><BR/>At the end of Mass I announced that we'd leave the processional cross in place at the altar so that those who wanted a closer look could have one. Lot's of children and their parents - and others - came forward after the closing song.<BR/><BR/>We have a very large crucifix over our sanctuary and in the course of my homily I directed the assembly's attention to it since that's the one they see during the whole liturgy every week.<BR/><BR/>As I said to folks after Mass, "If that had been a real snake, you wouldn't have found me within 10 yards of it!"Concord Pastorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18322127779647130869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post-78205637661683937572008-09-15T11:50:00.000-04:002008-09-15T11:50:00.000-04:00Just curious...how did your parishioners react to ...Just curious...how did your parishioners react to the snake "crawling" on the cross? It was no doubt an attention getter. I actually thought of suggesting to my pastor that perhaps he could do the same. I never did because I thought folks would be too shocked and others would have an Indiana Jones reaction..."I hate snakes!!" It was all fine though...Father had us focus on the beautiful cross above the altar.<BR/>AnneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com