Assisting at Mass & Psalms of Divine Office

[brabble]

At a meeting this afternoon there was quite a bit of discussion on two points - a) Why do some books state ‘assist at Mass’ for going to Mass, praying The Mass etc. etc. i.e. what is meant by ‘assist’?

The other point of discussion was in the Psalms of the Divine Office - some Psalms, or parts of, call on God’s vengeance or similar on enemies - isn’t this contradictory to the words of Jesus “Love your enemies, do good to those who culminate and persecute you . . .” There seems to be contradiction here when we are called to be totally merciful, loving and forgiving and in prayer (Divine Office Psalms) may call on God to be vengeaful etc.
Other thoughts on these points of discussion would be appreciated - and thank you . . .:yup:

 

[Ter]

I think ‘assisting at Mass’ was used to signify your active participation in the Mass by prayers, responses etc. That you take part 100% in honouring God and the Holy Sacrafice of the Mass, you unite your prayers/attendence/life with the sacrafice offered by the priest.

 

[JohnCarroll]

At a meeting this afternoon there was quite a bit of discussion on two points - a) Why do some books state ‘assist at Mass’ for going to Mass, praying The Mass etc. etc. i.e. what is meant by ‘assist’?

The other point of discussion was in the Psalms of the Divine Office - some Psalms, or parts of, call on God’s vengeance or similar on enemies - isn’t this contradictory to the words of Jesus “Love your enemies, do good to those who culminate and persecute you . . .” There seems to be contradiction here when we are called to be totally merciful, loving and forgiving and in prayer (Divine Office Psalms) may call on God to be vengeaful etc.
Other thoughts on these points of discussion would be appreciated - and thank you . . .:yup:

First of all, in my opinion, it is good to sing it as written . This may be the only chance many people will have to hear that part of scripture. The bible is full of contradictions just like life. Jesus said love your enemies and then took a homemade whip and beat up on the money changers in the temple. He called the samaritan woman a dog. He said the relationship of a christian to our Heavenly father was like a naging woman and an Unjust Judge. And on and on. Also, nations do not seem to be held to the same standards as individuals. If I kill someone ,it is murder. If my country does it may be war, and judged by different laws. The Nation of Israel went to war like all nations do. These feelings during war time made it into the Psalms. These may also be acknowledgeing the simple rage we all feel when we see the innocent harmed by the unjust.
I don’t know if this helps.