The Great Amen! How we should respond!
In our liturgy we use the word “Amen” so many times. What does it mean? Amen means ‘So be it’ according to the catechism of the Catholic Church # 2856. From its Hebrews origin, it derives from the verb aman “to strengthen” or “confirm”. It is commonly understood to means yes, I agree, I believe, or so be it. The Great amen at Mass takes place at the end of the Eucharistic prayer. It is the time that all who are present at Mass are invited to show/express their consent/affirmation of what just took place (Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament at that moment). Our lack of participation or reticence to respond with enthusiasm shows how unaware we can be about what just happened. If we are looking forward to participate at Mass, that is one of the moments we should truly demonstrate our presence by participating with our voice and I would say with a very loud voice. For through the “great amen” we welcome and acknowledge our Lord’s presence on the Altar. Jesus comes to us at the moment in the Eucharist to be our food. Let us not be shy/cheap with that.