Week 3: Standing

By Archbishop Michael Jackels

Witness Publisher

When Mass begins, we are asked to stand, if we are able. There is a purpose for asking us to assume various postures and to make certain gestures when we celebrate Holy Mass.

For example, standing is a posture of prayer, of readiness to respond, and of respect for the presence of someone greater than ourselves, such as Jesus. For the same reasons, we stand at other times of the Mass, such as when the Gospel is read.

Speaking of the presence of Jesus, we believe that at Holy Mass Christ is present in the priest celebrant, the congregation, at the proclamation of the Gospel, and in the Eucharist.