Coming to the Lord's Table - #8

After the entire assembly has received the Eucharist, all are invited to spend time in silent prayer. This is one of a number of places in the Eucharistic liturgy where silence is called for. It is appropriate that the assembly enter into reflective silence at the opening prayer. After the presider says, "Let us pray, the assembly is invited to be silent. Then the presider prays the prayer and the assembly responds by saying "Amen."

It is fitting that the Liturgy of the Word be unhurried. Short silences are spaced between the Old Testament reading and the sung psalm, as well as between the New Testament letter and the Gospel procession and proclamation. Silence is a fitting space in which the assembly dwells after the homily. This enables the assembly to reflect on the preached word in the human heart and consciousness. Silence assists the assembly when it prays for its local needs during the prayer of the faithful.

An unhurried rhythm of song and silence characterizes the rite of presenting the gifts of bread and wine, money offerings and food for the poor. A moment of silence can help move the assembly from the Eucharistic Prayer and the Great Amen into the communion rite. Finally, silence after reception of the Eucharist attends to thanksgiving and praise for the gift of the Eucharist and the presence of Christ in the gathered church.

Silence is much more than an absence of action and movement, speech and music. Silence in the liturgy is a contemplative movement charged with the Spirit's presence. It is similar to the reverent silence that people observe at the Vietnam Memorial, at the foot of the giant redwoods, at the edge of the ocean and its powerful tides and waves. The Spirit leads the assembly into silence so that the heart can rest and dwell with God and can be filled with praise, thanksgiving, wonder, awe, and gratitude. "The absence of all words, actions, music and movement offers an opportunity for interior prayer and contemplation on the eucharistic mystery. Such silence can be important to the rhythm of the whole celebration and will be welcomed by many in this busy and restless world.

As an alternative or addition to silence, however, a psalm or song of praise may be sung by the entire assembly. Since there has already been singing during communion, the opportunity for silence may be more desirable. Adequate time for deep and silent prayer should not be rare in our celebration of the eucharist. (Service at the Table of God, p.8).

This directive indicates that the assembly should dwell in silence or that it should sing a psalm or song of praise. The choir is no longer expected to perform. Nor is this time for instrumental or recorded music.

The communion rite closes quickly. After the period of silence, the presider offers the post communion prayer. This prayer asks that the spiritual effects of the eucharist will be experienced and that the promise and the pledge of the Eucharist will be fulfilled in the heavenly homeland.

Announcements that need to be made are given after the post-communion prayer. Then the presider calls down God's blessing upon the assembly and dismisses the community to keep the Lord's Day well and to do the Lord's work well.