The Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has introduced new Mass readings focusing on the pursuit of self-restraint.
Cardinal Arthur Roche and Archbishop Vittorio Francesco Viola of the Dicastery jointly issued the decree.
An accompanying message elaborates on the concept of ‘continentia’ in the Roman Missal.
It’s a call to battle against all forms of evil, a reminder that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be used to honor God. Importantly, it underscores the need for God’s grace. This grace enables Christians to live guided by the Holy Spirit and promotes the idea of developing a new heart and spirit.
The chosen readings aim to foster prayer for purity of heart. They encourage avoidance of unchecked ambitions and desires that often harm the vulnerable.
Every baptized individual, irrespective of personal circumstances, is welcome to the Mass ‘ad postulandam continentiam‘.
The biblical selections are thoughtfully curated.
They include passages from Matthew (“You are the salt of the earth,” Mt 5:13-16) and John’s Gospel (“This is my commandment: that you love one another, as I have loved you,” Jn 15:12-17).
Old Testament readings come from the Book of Prophet Ezekiel and Sirach, with references from St. Paul’s Epistles to Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians. There’s also a responsorial psalm from Psalms 86 and 112.
Collectively, these readings offer profound teachings on love, charity, self-restraint and spiritual transformation.
Pray for self-restraint!
