Every time Mass is celebrated, the priest receives the gifts and says a prayer over them that begins, Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation….  That prayer can be said quietly behind the altar.  However, if it is said so that the congregation can hear it, they are called to respond, Blessed be God forever.  As many of you may realize, I like to say that prayer aloud as the gifts are presented and you respond appropriately.
 
What we may not realize is the origin of that invocation.  Its roots run deep, dating way back into Hebrew tradition.  It is older than any other parts of the Mass except for Alleluia, Hosanna, and Amen.  It is repeated numerous times in the Seder Meal, which is celebrated at the Jewish feast of Passover.  We believe that it was at that meal that Jesus celebrated the Last Supper and instituted the Eucharist.  In Hebrew this invocation reads:
 
When you sound it out it goes: Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha’olam…
In English:  Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe…

Here ends the Hebrew lesson! 
 
However, every year on Wednesday of Holy Week, we celebrate a Seder Meal at St. Mikes.  It is a true Family and Thanksgiving event.  Children are invited.  Indeed, they play an important part in the course of the meal!  It is a meal surrounded and suffused with prayer and a beautiful experience.  I hope you can join us.  Just sign up to bring something to the meal and to help in the setting of the tables and the preparation of the special Seder Meal plates.  It provides a prayerful entry into the period of the Triduum celebrations.  Come join us!