- 53 - • The Mass came about through an extension of the prayers offered at the celebration of the Lord’s Supper in early Christian times, but in the course of the centuries it has lost all the features that made it a communal meal and a meal in memory of the Lord. Thus, the present day ‘mass’ retains nothing of the good except a series of prayers that can just as well be said by anyone in private. They do not need the help of any priest. • The great faith Catholics place in the effectiveness of paid masses is unfortunately a great selfdelusion. Restore to the people the Communion ceremony of the days of the Apostles. It was a sacred rite that brought the people blessings! It should be observed frequently, the most appropriate occasions being the eves of your high church festivals or the days of the festivals themselves. You may come together to observe this celebration also on other days that are of special significance to you. You can do this without outside help, at home in your own family circle. No so-called ‘priests’ or other clerics of any other kind are necessary, and no churches. In every circle of the faithful there will be someone who understands how to conduct the Communion service in a worthy manner. Because of the importance of the subject, I want to give you a brief description of such a ceremony. • The best bread to use is unleavened bread, or what you know as ‘matzoh’. • Pour the wine, either red or white, into a chalice of glass or crystal. • Put the bread and wine on a table covered with a white cloth. Keep the chalice containing the wine covered until it is used, so that nothing will contaminate it. Similarly, you may cover the bread with a clean cloth. • In addition, you may follow the custom of the early Christians and place a simple cross – not a crucifix – on the table. • Place seven candles behind the cross, arranged so that the centre one is directly behind and close to the cross. • When you have gathered at the appointed hour, open the service with a song appropriate to this ceremony. • After this, the person leading the service offers a prayer in his own words, followed by the reading of some psalm that is suited to this hour. He may, if he likes, select from a number of different psalms the verses he considers most fitting. • Next comes a reading from the Holy Writ. If someone is present who can give a short sermon, this also will be of value. • After that the congregation devotes several minutes to silent reflection, thinking over their sins and shortcomings and in true repentance asking God for forgiveness.
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