The Mass, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, when ordered and offered in accord with John the Baptist’s statement, “He [Jesus] must increase and I must decrease,” is the Mass as it was before many of the changes that have been made since the Second Vatican Council.
Jesus’s “Deny yourself,” (Mt 16:24) and “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 18:4), are statements about humility that echo the Baptists’s words. These are discussed in a recent article at Catholic Stand, “He Must Increase, I Must Decrease.” Among other things, this previous article discussed how St. Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said he went about his ministry to personally decrease so that Jesus increased.
Paul does not proclaim his God-granted status as an apostle to the gentiles. He does not entertain. He does not focus on himself. He made it clear that he was not going to present himself like a skilled public speaker or an actor on a stage expert in dramatic presentations and histrionics. Any of these things which had the potential to “increase” Paul in public fame, popularity, and celebrity would detract from the message – Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
A Mass not in accord with Jesus’s teachings on humility, the admonition of the Baptist’s, and Str. Pauls’ description of ministry is disordered, a Novus Disordo happening.
In a public entertainment, play, movie, TV show, in terms of worldly fame, glory, stature, popularity, and celebrity, many of those involved in performing before an audience – actors, masters of ceremonies dances, singers , stars, and a band or orchestra – all “increase” in worldly terms.
For each item below, check the categories that apply to what is being done in churches around the world, including in the United States.
Calling Jesus’s church a community.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Calling the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass a mere meal, supper, or celebration, not a re-presentation of Jesus’s sacrifice to the Father.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Referring to a “table” for a meal, not to an altar for a sacrifice.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
The laity, (those not ordained and not present in persona Christi as the Head of the Mystical Body as is only the priest – acting in the person of Jesus, the entire Person, body, blood, soul, spirit, and divinity), assuming the orans praying posture of a priest.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Referring to the priest as a mere “presider” who simply does functions that any person can do, including the laity, including women.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Providing no sanctuary area separate from the rest of the space.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/u/the priest increases.
Providing no kneelers, failing to kneel or bow during the creed at the appropriate time and when the name “Jesus” is spoken.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Singing songs about us, the community, me and you, rather than hymns of adoration and worship.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Have the priest, the only person present in persona Christi, face the people rather than stand with them facing the altar, the tabernacle if present, and a crucifix if present.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Having the laity respond to “The Lord be with you,” spoken by the priest, with “and also with you,” rather than “and with your spirit.”
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
The laity standing for the consecration or the entire eucharistic prayer.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us the priest increases increases.
The laity saying the doxology – through Him, with Him, and in Him – with the priest.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/ the priest increases.
Following the consecration, referring to ‘bread” and ‘wine,” not to the body and blood of Jesus.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us the priest increases increase.
Providing a video screen or screens which divert attention from the altar and from what the priest is saying and doing.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Lay people distributing Holy Communion, sometimes while the priest sits down.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/ the priest increases.
Locating the singers and band or orchestra at the front of the building in a position typical for entertainment rather than worship of God, a position in which they can look at people in the audience, and vice versa.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Having the lay Holy Communion distributors stand with the priest and say the “Domine, non sum dignus”.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Have a non-priest delivering a speech at Mass, rather than a priest presenting a sermon (and call a sermon a “homily”).
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Locating the tabernacle away from the space where the Mass occurs. Wherever it is, showing no reference when one is there near the tabernacle or when passing in front of it.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Making the community space circular or oval so that those in the audience can look at others in the audience; and placing the supper table non-centrally in the circle or oval.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Refusing to let anyone receive Holy Communion on the tongue.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Providing no communion rail or kneeler so that one can kneel during the reception of Holy Communion, and denying communion to anyone who kneels.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Providing no architectural feature, structure, or artwork that would cause anyone to raise their gaze and look up during the Mass.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Permitting the laity to dress as if they are at the beach, the park, a picnic, the local swimming pool, their living room, garage, backyard, or the mall.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Making the table level with the rest of the church.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Encouraging the laity to applaud, the focus of it a member or members of the laity, not Jesus, or the Father or Holy Spirit.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Saying “Eat this bread and drink this cup” as an acclamation of the faithful after the bread and wine have been consecrated by the priest and are then the body and blood of Jesus.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
At the “Domine, non sum dignus,” not using the word “sacrifice,” and saying “Happy are those who are called to his supper.”
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
During the prayer the Confiteor, instead of saying “I confess . . . and to you, Father,” saying “I confess . . . and to you my brothers and sisters.”
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Reducing the use of, severely restricting, or totally prohibiting the use of Latin during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, one of the most powerful and effective ways that the unity of Jesus’s church is made evident to the faithful and is proclaimed to the world.
___ Jesus decreases.
___ I/me/you/we/us/the priest increases.
Yes, each item above is in both categories.
Conclusion
The majority of Catholics now do not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. According to one survey, 69% believe that the bread and wine are only that, and mere symbols of Jesus’s presence.
Over 40% of Catholics have left the Church and now identify as Protestant. Protestant denominations do not have the sacraments or most of the sacraments – the outward signs instituted by Jesus to give grace – His life – to the faithful. Hundreds of parishes in the U.S. have shut down.
In one survey almost half of Catholics said they abandoned Jesus’s church because they disagreed with some of its religious and moral teachings. This includes the church’s teachings about things in Holy Scripture, in both the Old and the New Testaments, declared to be abominations, grievous sins, and offences against God.
One survey showed that only 28% of Catholics attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass regularly. Only about half say they pray daily. Overall, only 20% of U.S. Catholics say they attend Mass weekly and pray daily and consider religion very important in their life.
Over 40% vote for candidates of the Party of Death, the Democrat Party.
The percentages cited above are not simply statistics. Each person included in the surveys and studies for those numbers is one of Jesus’s beloved sheep, someone for whom He suffered and died.
These numbers did not happen overnight. Those who planned, executed, orchestrated and effected these changes saw the numbers getting worse and worse over many years – they knew what was happening, they exalted in their success, and they proceeded, year after year, to pursue their goals. Those who have intentionally sought the destruction of Jesus’s church and the spiritual death of many of His children did these things so that Jesus would decrease and His church would suffer – some hoped to the point of extinction. That so many of the faithful would spiritually die was happy and welcomed collateral damage.
On a lighter note, these people who have tried to destroy Jesus’s church and spiritually injure His sheep will all, some of them already, some very soon, get to discuss this with the Man Himself.
23 thoughts on “Does Mass, Increase You and Me, and Decrease Jesus?”
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I remember my first participation at Mass. I was four yrs. old. I was totally enraptured with the entire experience. I will never forget……..the little church in Oaklyn, N.J. – St. Aloysius, and attending school there until we moved. The Mass was offered in Latin. Somehow it all was totally understandable. The Mass got into my blood stream, into my psyche and most profoundly into my soul. The Mass is still, now-and-forever, received in that manner. I do not embrace the changes in The Mass. I have experienced the “decrease” and the attempt at “increase”. I have attended Mass in churches without kneelers, in semi-circular arrangements, without visibility of the Tabernacle, without hymns, with homilies instead of sermons. This is cause for great concern and introspection. I pray. I pray. I pray…………..someone in the Vatican will go to battle with the evil there. In the meantime, if we Catholics want to attend Mass, we need to focus on the intrinsic and Holy principles – Jesus Christ is there. Along with God the Father, St. Joseph and our very Blessed Virgin Mother Mary. They are there in ardor and love and caring for us. I often think of all the thousands of people who participated in The Mass in the catacombs.
Two very worthy approaches to this very misguided trend: Chat with the Priest after Mass —- tell him of your concerns. Pray.
Reverently, Jane Selleck Bush
I’m getting sick & tired of these types of articles that are nothing more than whine sessions about what ‘should be’ instead of giving laity actual solutions. Let’s be real…laity can’t do anything to change most of what you just laid out here….period!! If the priests, Bishops and Rome change nothing and do nothing then what? Are we as laity supposed to be tasked with constant complaining and writing to apathetic Bishops for what purpose?
I, too, would love to see all of what you just listed out….it would be awesome BUT we are where we are….and until the authorities IN THE CHURCH change these things and actually start returning to tradition we have to just persevere and endure this to remain obedient to Christ’s church. HE never said it would be easy and He certainly never promised the United States political power or Christian roots would remain or even need to remain forever. Nothing does…that’s the point.
I continue to do my SMALL PART to inject reverence where I can at Mass and perhaps it will spark others to do the same…things like dressing in a sport coat and tie rather than beach attire or reception on the tongue (I have to bow deeply as we have no kneelers and my knees can’t take the marble floor anymore) or getting rid of all of these EMs or removing altar girls or adding more latin and so on……your list was long.
Anyway….these suggestions have been made over and over but the people that can actually make the changes simply don’t exist OR the ones in power don’t care to make changes because it doesn’t fit their worldview in this time. Again…we are called to persevere and I am not concerned that Christ, who knows exactly what is going on, will somehow send me to Hell because I attend Novus Ordo or I am forced to receive Communion from an EM at times or sing 70s hymns or whatever….
If I may respond, you have done so much for the kingdom of God and your reward is in heaven. I too have tried to contact Bishop, Cardinals, priests, deacons, and deans. I have still to this day after a decade awaiting a reply.
I feel Jesus and his Blessed Mother are calling you to come home to the Traditional Latin Mass. It is so rich and truly heaven on earth. A true sacrifice leads us home.
Gene:
And yet Peter erred in matters of faith.
Gene:
Jesus clearly stated His instructions in the Bible. I’m not giving them my own interpretation.
Shouldn’t the Catholic Church make all efforts to comply with the Word of God, instead of adopting its interpretation of traditions over the past 2,000 years? Keep in mind what the Catholic Church has said and done throughout the years.
By the way, don’t the Eastern Catholic rites offer bread dipped in wine?
Robert, you are interpreting Jesus’ words. You are saying “this is what Jesus said” as if you have some special insight into His words as recorded in Scripture that the Church does not. Jesus also said, “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away,” and “if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away” (Mathew 18:8-9). Should we all be doing this as well?
Forgive me for being blunt, Robert, but you are not the Vicar of Christ. Jesus did not give you His authority to govern His Church and interpret scripture. He gave that authority to Peter and his successors.
Yes, the Church can and has made mistakes, but the Church cannot ere in matters of the Faith and morals, and the Church says Jesus is fully present, body, blood, soul, and divinity in the Eucharist. As such it is not mandatory that we partake of the consecrated wine during Communion because we are receiving His blood in the Eucharist. I humbly bow to the wisdom of Peter and his successors. Don’t let hubris get the better of you. It’s the devil’s favorite sin.
End of discussion.
Gene:
Thanks for sharing, but I know the bottom line answer from the church. However, I don’t feel that it is what Jesus said in several passages of scripture. He wants us to have both.
Isn’t there some way for parishioners to receive the “blood of Christ” in something other than a common vessel?
Robert, think about your statement – “I don’t feel . . . “ Forgive me but it sounds like you are saying that you feel that your own interpretation of Scripture surpasses / is superior to that of the Magisterium’s. Recall 1 Peter 5:5: “Likewise, you younger members, be subject to the presbyters. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility . . . “
Martin Luther was wrong when he said anyone can read and interpret Scripture correctly. Jesus gave the keys to the Kingdom and the wisdom to interpret Scripture correctly to Peter and the Magisterium. We’ll never go wrong conforming our thinking and our lives to what the Church teaches, because Her collective wisdom far exceeds ours. But when we start thinking we know better we risk getting on a slippery slope.
Regarding your common vessel question, there are and have been through the ages far too many instances of people desecrating consecrated hosts. Communion in the hand may even have compounded such desecrations. For this reason (and others) I am an advocate of communion on the tongue. But as in all matters of the Faith, I defer to the Church because Her wisdom far exceeds mine. Perhaps there is a real concern that distributing the consecrated wine in anything but a common vessel might open new avenues for and further compound desecrations.
Guy,
But not what Jesus said to do in remembrance of Him. The Church could come up with some way of offering wine 🍷 to parishioners that is not a common use vessel.
In our parish the priest has recently instituted the practice of parishioners paying for the bread and wine at mass in memory of others.
Bev, I was aware of the free abortions and vasectomies provided by Planned Barrenhood at the Demons’ convention. Please don’t think less of me for this short piece of mine at The American Catholic. I htink literary types call this “irony humor.”::
https://the-american-catholic.com/2024/08/21/does-anyone-else-have-a-sense-of-humor-like-mine/
““Planned Parenthood Great Rivers in St. Louis announced it would offer free abortions and vasectomies in a mobile truck not far from the Democratic National Convention. A local hot dog shop, The Wieners Circle, posted on the social media platform X that it would give anyone who had a vasectomy or abortion a coupon for a free hotdog. “
I particular liked the graphic published with this.
Guy, Texas
The “Party of Death” is the Republicans, whose policies result in more abortions. On every other issue — capital punishment, the social safety net, pro-family policies — they are on the anti-life side anyway.
This post continues the trend of rejecting Vatican II. And because every Pope has embraced it, might as well declare yourselves sedevacantists too. I don’t expect this to be done explicitly, just by implication, as we see here with Vatican II.
I guess you were not aware the DNC convention offered free abortions and vasectomies. The SCOTUS reversed Roe vs Wade and is now up to the states.
It seems you didn’t get the memo.
The other pro-life policies pushed by Democrats and rejected by Republicans — making having babies safer and blunting the economic effects — will decrease the number of abortions. This is a worldwide trend and also reflected in the number of abortions under Democratic vs. Republican administrations.
Do you want abortions to decrease? Or do you just want to punish women who have unwanted pregnancies>
You must live under a rock and avoiding my comment.
You said, “making having babies safer and blunting the economic effects.”
What are you even talking about?
The DNC wishes death to all babies. They are not even interested in saving you and you’ll be first in line to go. WAKE UP
Capt, God bless you and your family and always old y’all safe in the palm of His hand.
As to the identity of the U.S. PARTY OF DEATH, please review my articles links below.
Guy, Texas:
https://the-american-catholic.com/2024/08/04/vote-democrat-mortal-sin-3/
and
https://the-american-catholic.com/2024/01/25/voting-catholic-catechism-2024-faith-fillled-citizenship/
Details re Party of Death are in section entitled “DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF INTRINSIC EVIL & DEATH” and
Here is one published comment by someone who had previously disAGREED with me for several voting cycles: “In the past I have stood up to Guy McClung in disagreement. I have maintained that there were a few decent Democrats one could vote for. But there are less and less of those people and I think they might now be as extinct as a Dodo.
Are there ANY pro-life and pro-family Democrats left? I don’t think so. At least not any office holders or candidates. The Party doomed the last pro-life Congressman Dan Lipinski. Dem Rep Who Ousted Last Pro-Life Democrat From Congress Alleged To Have Bribed Primary Opponent With Six-Figure Government Job: Lawsuit | The Daily Wire
If there are indeed zero pro-life Democrats there is no sane reason to vote for a Democrat any longer. And plenty of reasons to vote for other more appropriate Parties.”
“On a lighter note, these people who have tried to destroy Jesus’s church and spiritually injure His sheep will all, some of them already, some very soon, get to discuss this with the Man Himself.”
These lines grabbed me! I’m one of those who look forward to the day when I can be in His presence.
There is much food for thought here, especially as I’m a convert and firmly believe in the church’s teaching.
Thank you!
Dear Ida, Thanks muchas you gracias for your kind words. You and anyone else who converts today is my hero. You go girl! Guy, Texas
Wow. You touched on so much I hadn’t even noticed. I’m so thankful for the rich traditional Latin Mass. Dominus vobiscum
https://www.corpuschristiforunityandpeace.org/coalition-launches-survey-to-better-understand-why-u-s-catholics-have-lost-faith-in-the-real-presence/
Dear Bev, Rumor has it that the Death Dealers, Abominators, and Mass Destroyers who actually control the Man wearing Papal White have a document ready for his signature that totally and forever bans the Mass, ie. the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass of the ages, in Latin. And, to date, he has refused to sign it. Hope it doesn’t turn up, “signed,” a week after Jesus speaks to him personally. Guy, Texas
What concerns me most about what is lacking in the mass is the complete Eucharist – have not been offered the blood of Jesus since 2020 by our Catholic Church. Only the priest and the deacon receive it.
Dear Robert, I am no theologian, but I believe it is Church teaching that one crumb of a consecrated host, and certainly a host, contain the entire blody, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus our Lord. Thanks for reading my article, Guy, Texas
Robert, when you receive a Consecrated Host at Communion you are receiving the complete Eucharist. The newer (post-Vatican II) “General Instruction of the Roman Missal states (281) that “Holy Communion has a fuller form as a sign when it is distributed under both kinds.” Note that it is the “sign” of Communion (the Paschal celebration) that has “a fuller form” when receiving Communion under both species.
The Council of Trent (On Communion, First Decree, ch. III) stated the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ is fully present in both the Consecrated Bread and in the Consecrated Wine. The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” (1377) restates this teaching “. . . Christ is present whole and entire in each of the species and whole and entire in each of their parts . . .” The Eucharistic Miracles of Lanciano (Italy), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Tixtla (Mexico), and Legnica (Poland), have even confirmed the presence of blood with both red and white blood cells in the Consecrated Host. The CCC also states (1390) “Since Christ is sacramentally present under each of the species, communion under the species of bread alone makes it possible to receive all the fruit of Eucharistic grace. For pastoral reasons this manner of receiving communion has been legitimately established as the most common form in the Latin rite.”
Consecrated Wine historically (pre-Vatican II) was not offered to communicants for various practical reasons (one of these reasons was re-learned during the Covid scare).