Quest for answers

[Rub141]

I am currently trying to deepen my understanding of the mass, and have several questions about postures and getures that I need assistance with. If anyone can guide me to a better understanding I will surely appreciate it.

1.) Where can I find the rubrics for postures to be used by the priest during mass (ie hands in the orans position etc.)?

2.) I am particularly interested in the name of and significance of the gesture before he reads the gospel (the small cross’ ,one to the forehead, then lips, then heart {and are we actually to do this too?} {and are we to say “Lord let your word be in my mind, on my lips and in my soul”?}).

That’s it for now. My hope is to better understand the mass do further deepen that weekly experience.

Rob

 

[Texas_Roofer]

General Instruction of the Roman Missal commonly called the GIRM is available at

usccb.org/liturgy/current/revmissalisromanien.shtml

However I doubt you will find many of your answers. Most of the actions are customary not instructed. For example when the Homily is read people often “sign” the cross on their forehead, mouth, and heart this action comes from the Rite of Welcoming (another book) not the GIRM. Really same for tipping the finger in holy water and rebaptizing yourself we all do it but it is not a written instruct ( at least that I know of). Genuflectting ( bending a knee with a bow) or bowing are in the text which is a sign of humbleness- hope that helps

 

[tee_eff_em]

I am currently trying to deepen my understanding of the mass, and have several questions about postures and getures that I need assistance with. If anyone can guide me to a better understanding I will surely appreciate it.

1.) Where can I find the rubrics for postures to be used by the priest during mass (ie hands in the orans position etc.)?

Many such gestures are found in the GIRM (General Instruction of the Roman Missal). The GIRM for the US may be found at the USCCB website. Some gestures may also be contained as rubrics in the Missal itself.

I don’t believe you will find the words “orans position” therein, however; Rather, something like “with hands extended”, eg (with emphasis):

1. After the Eucharistic Prayer is concluded, the priest, with hands joined, says the introduction to the Lord’s Prayer. With hands extended, he then says this prayer together with the people.

2.) I am particularly interested in the name of and significance of the gesture before he reads the gospel (the small cross’ ,one to the forehead, then lips, then heart {and are we actually to do this too?} {and are we to say “Lord let your word be in my mind, on my lips and in my soul”?}).

I do not believe there is a particular name for that gesture, but yes, the faithful are to imitate it (emphasis added):

1. At the ambo, the priest opens the book and, with hands joined, says, Dominus vobiscum (The Lord be with you), and the people respond, Et cum spiritu tuo (And also with you). Then he says, Lectio sancti Evangelii (A reading from the holy gospel), making the sign of the cross with his thumb on the book and on his forehead, mouth, and breast, which everyone else does as well. The people say the acclamation Gloria tibi, Domine (Glory to you, Lord). The priest incenses the book, if incense is used (cf. below, nos. 276-277). Then he proclaims the Gospel and at the end says the acclamation Verbum Domini (The gospel of the Lord), to which all respond, Laus tibi, Christe (Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ). The priest kisses the book, saying quietly, Per evangelica dicta (May the words of the gospel).

The prayer you suggest is typical of this gesture, but most often prayed silently, in my experience.

tee