The other day it was just Fr MT Sebastian and me for Mass. I forget what the gospel was or the significance of the day. But what I do remember is the reflection that he shared - not from across the altar, but coming and sitting beside me!
While that simple gesture of seating himself beside me to speak to me (not preach to me) itself meant a whole lot of what Mass is all about, his casual sharing of what the difference between the Syro-Malabar rite and Latin rite mode of celebrating the Eucharist, was something significant. He said, he was told that among the many aspects that distinguish the modes of celebrating the Mass, the former rite stresses on the aspect of a priest, representing Christ and the faithful, offering a sacrifice to God, on behalf of the people. That's why he is facing the sanctuary, with his back to the people. He is there on behalf of the people.
In the Latin rite, the Eucharist is a meal... a shared meal. Hence the priest is forming the circle with the people. He is sharing the same food, at the same level as the people!
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