There is one word that we say often at Mass and in our own prayer.  It comes from a Hebrew word, the root of which is linked to the word for faith. It is short, soft, and familiar. We may say it without thinking. We may even whisper or mumble it, we may not even say it at all. But the word has great power and is deeply significant. In Scripture, it means: So be it or This is true.

That word is Amen. Amen is not a polite agreement; it is not a ‘liturgical full stop’ at the end of our prayer. It does not mean: okay, I understand, sure, that’s fine, or even, I agree. When we say Amen, we are not making a comment. We are making a covenant. We are, as it were, signing a spiritual agreement/covenant. Which is why Heaven does not hear it casually.

Every covenant in the Bible has words that seal it. Israel said Amen to the Law (Nehemiah 8:6) God Himself is called “The Amen” (Revelation 3:14). Jesus, especially in the Gospel of John, begins His most solemn teachings with ‘Amen, Amen, truly I say to you…’ (see: Jn.3:3, 5:23, 6:47/55, 10:1/7). Using Amen like this is not mere decoration or emphasis, but rather a binding declaration that what follows is not merely true, but is binding.

The first word that we say at Mass is Amen. It follows the declaration by the priest that we are gathered in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We also reply with Amen to Collect (Opening Prayer), and to the Absolution (May almighty GOD have mercy on us…) during the penitential rite. However, there are two uses of Amen during Mass that are the most profound of all. St Padre Pio said of the first of these two, that it should shake the roof of the building, as opposed to being mumbled, if said at all. The first of them comes at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, after the doxology (Through Him, and with Him and in Him…), which is to be prayed by the priest alone. The Amen that follows, called the Great Amen, is very often sung, and is our declaration, our yes, to everything that has just taken place. What has just taken place is the making present of the new covenant. It is the crucifixion of Jesus, in non-bloody, sacramental manner, on the altar before us. Just as the people of Israel said ‘Amen’ to the law/ covenant so we too say Amen to the New Covenant in Jesus, sealed with HIS blood.

The second of these is when we present ourselves for Holy Communion. The priest says: ‘The Body of Christ’ and we reply ‘Amen’. A binding declaration on our part that ‘Yes, this is the Body of Christ. I believe that Jesus is really, truly, fully and substantially present in this small white host presented to me’. It should not be said casually as it is not heard casually. This small but mighty word is very powerful in the ear of GOD., use it wisely, say it thoughtfully and mindfully.