Participating in Tradition

I am a Liturgical Minister in our local Parish.

As a reader of scripture during the Mass I am participating a documented process of how the Mass occurs.

St. Justin Martyr wrote (with respect to the Mass)

On the day we call the day of the sun, all who dwell in the city or country gather in the same place.
The memoirs of the apostles and the writings of the prophets are read, as much as time permits.
When the reader has finished, he who presides over those gathered admonishes and challenges them to imitate these beautiful things.
Then we all rise together and offer prayers* for ourselves . . .and for all others, wherever they may be, so that we may be found righteous by our life and actions, and faithful to the commandments, so as to obtain eternal salvation.
When the prayers are concluded we exchange the kiss.
Then someone brings bread and a cup of water and wine mixed together to him who presides over the brethren.
He takes them and offers praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit and for a considerable time he gives thanks (in Greek: eucharistian) that we have been judged worthy of these gifts.
When he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all present give voice to an acclamation by saying: 'Amen.'

This was written by St. Justin in the year 155. Although not a Priest, as a lay minister when I read the texts I am participating in the Mass in a role that is documented to go back nearly 2,000 years.

What an awe-inspiring responsibility. Join your local Parish's Liturgical Ministry

Peace be to you.