An Introduction to this series of articles
General Instruction of the Roman Missal
Institutio Generalis, or "General Instruction," refers to the introductory material in the Roman Missal, the Sacramentary. Like all Rites since Vatican II, this Institutio provides the theological and pastoral context for the instructions and rubrics of the Mass.
It is good for us to be here.
The new Institutio describes the Introductory Rites as having the character of a beginning, introduction, and preparation. Their purpose is: that the faithful coming together, take on the form of a community and prepare themselves to listen attentively to God's word and to celebrate the Eucharist worthily. (GIRM, paragraph 46)
This points to two very important elements of the introductory rites. When the bishops of the Second Vatican Council described the ways in which Christ is present in the celebration of the liturgy, they underscored these four: Christ is present in the priest-presider, in the Word proclaimed, most especially in the Eucharist, and in "the Church that prays and sings." (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy 7) ["For where two or three are gathered together in my name..." (Mt.18:20)] Thus, our coming together for worship is a response to God's initiative and invitation so that, when we do gather, we manifest the Body of Christ in the world.
"In the restoration and promotion of the sacred liturgy the full and active participation by all the people is the aim to be considered before all else... " (CSL 14)
More than just being "nice for us to be here," the coming together of the faithful reveals for all to see that the Mass is "the action of Christ and the Church." (GIRM 20) And so, the "full, active, and conscious participation of the faithful" describes how the assembly manifests Christ at worship.The second important element of paragraph 46 in the Institutio describes the purpose of the Introductory Rites. These rites are intended to be the means by which we prepare to hear the Word of God. We say here, at least implicitly, that the Body of Christ in the world still needs deeper conversion by hearing the Word of God.
"When the Scriptures are read in Church, God himself is speaking to his people and Christ, present in his own word, is proclaiming the Gospel." (GIRM 29)