Silence in the Eucharistic Liturgy

As a priest, I’m asked plenty of questions: questions about the faith, Church teachings, the priesthood, the liturgy, my interests, hobbies, and many others. One of the questions that I am asked, although not very often, regards the silent prayers of the priest at different moments of the Mass. The silent prayers of the priest during Mass are often overlooked by the faithful. Most people don’t even notice them because they happen very quickly and with subtlety.

A couple of weeks ago, a parishioner asked, “What are you doing with the cloth when you are putting water and wine on the chalice?’ I told him, “I’m not putting anything on it. I just don’t want any water or wine to spill on the altar.” Altar servers, since they minister in the sanctuary, see what is often overlooked by the faithful. “Father Jay, before the Gospel, what are you saying when you are facing the altar right before the Gospel?” “Father Jay, what are you saying when you pour wine and water into the chalice, as your wash your hands, or when you’re bowing right before communion?”   

The words, the prayers, and even the different gestures can be found in the Roman Missal, and they all hold a profound significance in the celebration of the Mass. These moments of silence provide a sacred space for the priest to communicate ultimately with God, offering prayers on behalf of the faithful and the world. Most of the silent prayers of the priest typically occur during the Liturgy of the Eucharist (the Offertory, the Eucharistic Prayer, and Communion).

The Offertory is where the priest prepares the gifts of bread and wine, representing the offerings and spiritual sacrifices of the people. During this time the priest offers silent prayers. It is accompanied by the washing of hands. “Lord, wash me of my iniquity and cleanse me of my sin.” This is a symbolic purification gesture signifying the purity required to approach God.

As the Mass moves to the Eucharistic Prayer, the silent prayers of the priest take on a more contemplative tone. The priest becomes a vessel of divine mystery, consecrating the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. There are even more moments of silence, but it is in these moments that the faithful can also express reverence, awe and adoration for the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Lastly, the Communion rite is another significant moment where the priest's silent prayers play a vital role. Immediately after “Lamb of God,” the priest makes a profound bow and says a prayer. There are two options. One of the options is my favorite prayer: “May the receiving of your Body and Blood, Lord Jesus Christ, not bring me to judgment and condemnation, but through your loving mercy be for me protection in mind and body and a healing remedy.”

Especially during this Eucharistic Revival, it’s great to be reminded that Jesus feeds us with his Body and Blood and he wants to heal and strengthen us even despite our sins, weaknesses and shortcomings. It is Jesus that we need in this life to prepare us for the life to come.

The silent prayers of the priest during Mass are moments of encounter with the divine, where faith, devotion and love for God and his people are expressed. These prayers exemplify the priest's role as a servant of God and shepherd of souls, leading people in worship and communion with God. Silence can be awkward, but at Mass, these moments are opportunities for the priest and the faithful for reverence and openness, allowing God to speak to our hearts and transform our lives through the divine encounter of the liturgy.

Father Jay Alquiros serves as parochial vicar in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.