The Lion's Wings (DXD)

Chapter 6: Sunday Mass

Chapter 6

(As I know some may not want to hear the mass of a catholic church, so scroll down to the next bold note. Any info I say won't be too important to miss.)

Two weeks have passed since Alexandre moved into his new home with his knight. On his days off, he has been visiting parts of Europe in search of those who are near death and are worthy to join his peerage.

Walking into the church building, Alexandre is wearing a tan suit with a blue shirt and black tie, a dark effect around him. He walks through the outside of the pews and finds a spot near the front, he listens to the priest, they are preparing to read the holy gospel.

The father walks over to the bible and bows to the altar as he passes it, and as he’s walking he says quietly, “Almighty God, cleanse my heart and lips that I may worthily proclaim your gospel.” Once he is at the altar, he speaks to the people, “The Lord be with you.”

“And also with you.” The audience responds.

“A reading from Mathew 23:1-12.”

Everyone traces a cross on their forehead, on their lips, and on their heart. As they do they quietly pray, “May the gospel be on my mind, on my lips, and in my heart. Glory to you, Lord.”

The father then reads from the gospel, “

1    Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples,
2    "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat;
3    so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice.
4    They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger.
5    They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,
6    and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues,
7    and salutations in the market places, and being called rabbi by men.
8    But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren.
9    And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.
10    Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ.
11    He who is greatest among you shall be your servant;
12    whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.” He then kisses the bible and whispers, “May the words of the gospel wipe away our sins.” Everyone then sits.

The father then explains the readings of the bible, “The Christian identity is servant, disciple, humble follower. Greatness is seen in love, in being willing to serve the needs of others, as Jesus did. These words can be remembered at the last supper when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. Many cultures and groups of people honour success, wealth, and the pretence of self-importance. Remember in prayer a moment when you felt humbled as you served somebody, or did something really relevant for them. Offer this memory to God in thanks.”

The mass then stands back up and speaks the profession of faith:

“We believe in one God, 
    the Father, the Almighty, 
    maker of heaven and earth, 
    of all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, 
    the only Son of God, 
    eternally begotten of the Father, 
    God from God, Light from Light, 
    true God from true God, 
    begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father. 
    Through him all things were made. 
    For us men and for our salvation 
        he came down for heaven:”

They then bow for the next two lines,
“by the power of the Holy Spirit 
    he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; 
    he suffered, died, and was buried. 
    On the third day he rose again 
        in fulfillment of the Scriptures; 
    he ascended into heaven 
        and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 
    He will come again in glory to judge the living 
        and the dead, 
    and his kingdom will have no end.