During the Mass, in which all prayers are perfect, we speak to everyone. Sometimes we address the Holy Trinity (Suscipe Sancta Trinitas), at times to the Father (Elevatis oculis ad Te Deum Patrem), occasionally to Jesus the Word, sometimes to the Holy Spirit (Veni Sanctificator), sometimes with the saints in heaven, and sometimes with the people around us, and sometimes just to ourselves, absorbed in God's presence: Quid retribuam Domino… calicem salutis accipiam. If we are not speaking with the angels (only during the prayers after Mass), at least we talk to God about the angels, who are present as His servants and play an active role in the sacrifice. And we speak with Him about the saints and the holy souls in purgatory, and about the Pope and the bishop and about all our friends. Nothing can be less private than the Mass. And it is also a perfect solitude.
(Thomas Merton, journal entry from March 15, 1950)
Note: Today the Czech Republic (according to the call of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences) joins in the celebration of the Eucharist for the victims of the covid-19 pandemic, for the sick and healthcare workers.
