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#Post#: 2544--------------------------------------------------
The Ringing of the Bells
By: Piper Date: July 16, 2015, 2:28 pm
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[font=trebuchet ms]Not sure if or how this thread might take
off, but . . .
I was impressed by the ringing of the bells at Mass, three
times, I believe, including just prior to the consecration, and
as the priest elevates the host (body of Christ) and also the
chalice (the blood of Christ). I have since read the bells are
to create "a joyful noise" and also to signify the presence of
our Lord.
Last night, as I rushed to get my horse off pasture as a storm
approached from the south, it was yet very still, but to the
south there was much dramatic lightning flashing across the dark
and immense sky. The air was tense, and as I led my horse
toward her barn, I suddenly stopped, as did the mare. I could
hear bells, and they immediately reminded me of the bells I
heard at Mass. The mare heard them as well, raising her head at
attention, and perking her ears toward the sound. Living in the
middle of nowhere, I wonder what I was hearing. I'd never heard
anything like it before, in the twenty years I've lived here.
Soon I heard a noise start up coming from the distance, from the
south, the sound of the approaching storm. But it approached in
a way I'd never experienced before. The sound was unique,
rushing and swift, and as I walked back to the house, I could
feel the approach so strongly, it felt almost as if something
was pursuing me. Then the storm arrived, all at once with
pelting rain and the wind making a glorious entrance. I was
immediately soaked.
I felt I had just experienced something, but was not certain
what.
One of the pleasures living on the plains is the wide-open
space, and being able to see storms far away, or as they
approach.
With the sound of the bells, and then the pursuit of the storm,
it seemed a very spiritual moment to me. What an experience to
be under the heavens as the pent up explosion of a storm
approaches. You feel it all through your body. What awe, what
glory!
So, I got to thinking more about bells and their use through the
ages in religion and in Churches. I learned the bells at Mass
are called "Sanctus Bells", that they are blessed before first
use, and that they have been used for over 800 years during the
celebration of Mass in the Catholic Church. I rather like the
idea of "a joyful noise" at the presence of the Lord.
Who can deny the beauty and inspiration of Church bells calling
the faithful to worship? I don't know how many churches still
practice this, but it has a warm and wonderful feel to it, I
think. Church bells rung at the beginning of Mass, and it was
the first time I'd been inside a Church to hear them. Was pretty
awesome! (The Church is perfect for me: modest, with the front
doors opening to a very small foyer and small stair leading
directly into the sanctuary. Lovely stained glass windows, oak
pews with kneeling boards. Only about 25 people were present in
this Sat. night Mass. I sat at the back and simply observed.
There was such reverence in the genuflecting, the prayer, the
hymns . . . all culminating in the Lord's Table.)
I believe I also read that the bells signify the presence of
angels. Isn't that beautiful? To think that angels are there,
among us, as we worship?
I don't know what the bells before the storm signified, but
standing there with my mare at my side, I felt that I was
hearing something supernatural. I really did. South of my farm
is only miles and miles of open farmland. Yet the storm and the
wind was preceded by the distinct sound of bells.
Perhaps the storms in our life are very truly preceded by the
heightened presence of God in our lives, there to protect and
comfort us, to guide us through our trials. Despite the rolling
of thunder, there is the sound of the gathering of angels to
watch over us as our Father draws nigh to our
tribulation.[/font]
[center][font=andale mono]"When you pass through the waters, I
will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over
you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the
flames will not set you ablaze."
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the
age.”[/font][/center]
[font=trebuchet ms]In a new way, I can see that we join Christ
in His suffering, we can stand before the cross, outside of
time, to be with Him in His suffering, as He is with us. It is
a most solemn and divine communion.
I am greatly blessed.
[/font]
#Post#: 2545--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Ringing of the Bells
By: Poppy Date: July 16, 2015, 4:04 pm
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Beautiful Nancy.
#Post#: 2546--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Ringing of the Bells
By: Piper Date: July 16, 2015, 5:31 pm
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It truly was.
#Post#: 2547--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Ringing of the Bells
By: Kerry Date: July 16, 2015, 7:11 pm
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Do know the approximate time? Angelus bells are usually rung
at 6 AM and 6 PM. That's human time -- and I don't know what
system of time they use. Maybe angels ring them at a different
times since I doubt they use daylight savings time. . . .
I suppose it also could have been earthly bells that you heard
using spiritual ears at a distance. Remember St. Clare
when she wanted to attend Mass on Christmas Eve and couldn't
because she was so sick? Yes, she heard angelic voices
singing, but she was also moved in some way so she could attend
Mass.
I've heard there are angels which guard different hours. I
never heard any music when the hours changed and different
angels took over; but it wouldn't surprise me if spiritual bells
are rung. I don't know much about those angels or when the
hours change; but one morning when I was driving into town
around sunrise, I suddenly became aware of some change in the
air. I think angelic time depends on sunrise and sunset --
with twelve divisions marking the hours in between.
#Post#: 2549--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Ringing of the Bells
By: Piper Date: July 16, 2015, 11:11 pm
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[font=trebuchet ms]It was just before dark. Probably 8:30- 9
pm.
[/font]
#Post#: 2550--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Ringing of the Bells
By: Poppy Date: July 17, 2015, 2:51 am
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Did they sound like a peal of bells Nancy, or like windchimes?
#Post#: 2551--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Ringing of the Bells
By: CatholicCrusader Date: July 17, 2015, 4:32 am
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The bells indicate the moment of the action of the Holy Spirit
and the Transubstantiation of the bread and wine into the real
body and real blood of Christ. They ring right as Jesus Words
are spoken by the priest who acts In Persona Christi.
1) Take this, all of you, and eat it: this is my body which will
be given up for you. (Bell rings)
2) Take this all of you, and drink from it: this is the cup of
my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will
be shed for you and for all men so that sins may be forgiven. Do
this in memory of me. (Bell rings)
At that point the bread and wine are no longer bread and wine,
they are now the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ.
#Post#: 2553--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Ringing of the Bells
By: CatholicCrusader Date: July 17, 2015, 5:53 am
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[quote author=Piper link=topic=297.msg2544#msg2544
date=1437074906][font=trebuchet ms]. . . . the ringing of the
bells at Mass, three times. . . . .[/font][/quote]
HTML https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFd-iU2JgOA
#Post#: 2554--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Ringing of the Bells
By: Piper Date: July 17, 2015, 10:14 am
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[quote author=Poppy link=topic=297.msg2550#msg2550
date=1437119477]
Did they sound like a peal of bells Nancy, or like windchimes?
[/quote]
[font=trebuchet ms]I can't say 'peal,' which would mean 'loud'.
It clearly sounded like bells, but as heard from a distance, a
more gentle sound, not the pealing of bells.[/font]
#Post#: 2555--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Ringing of the Bells
By: Piper Date: July 17, 2015, 10:44 am
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[font=trebuchet ms]Hey, CC. First, welcome.
Thanks for clarifying. Great video that shows precisely when
the bells are rung. I think I recall reading they are rung
three times (at each ringing) to honor Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit.
The bells at St.W. were a bit different than on the video, more
of a bar with smaller bells attached. I'm sure there are
different styles of bells, all designed for the 'joyful noise.'
They definitely are a call to attention! I also read that when
Mass was performed in Latin, the bells helped the people to know
when the Transubstantiation was taking place.[/font]
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