concludes with a prayer of thanksgiving, the blessing of the people, and the reading of the Gospel of St. John.
39. Why is the Mass said in Latin?
1. Because this language comes from Rome, whence we received our faith; 2. Because, being a dead language, it does not change in the course of time like living languages; and 3. Because thereby the Unity and Uniformity of the Church, even in her public service, is represented and preserved.
Out of respect for very ancient usage, the Holy See permits the Greeks and some other bodies of Eastern Christians to retain their own languages in the celebration of Mass and other rites.
40. Why has the Church assigned particular vestments for the Priest whilst officiating at the altar?
That we may remember that the Priest does not act at the altar in his own person, but as the representative of Jesus, and that he celebrates a most holy Divine Mystery.
In the Old Testament God Himself minutely appointed the vestments for the Priests, and said: 'Aaron and his sons shall use them when they approach to the altar to minister in the Sanctuary, lest being guilty of iniquity they die' (Exod. xxviii. 43).
The different colors of the Priest's vestments have also their meaning. The White signifies innocence and spiritual joy; the Bed, the love of God; the Green, the hope of eternal life; the Violet or Purple, humility and penance; the Black, deep mourning.
Application. Endeavor to assist daily at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with sincere devotion and profound reverence; for there is no other act so holy and Divine, so rich in graces and heavenly blessings. At the Offertory, offer yourself with Jesus Christ to your Heavenly Father; at the Consecration, humbly adore your Saviour, and beg His pardon; at the Communion, communicate, at least spiritually — that is to say, desire most earnestly to be united with your dearest Lord in this Sacrament of Love.
