Since the start of the section on “LITURGY in our Diocese” in the North Star, quite a number of people have asked: “What is Liturgy? We always hear about it – but what is it?” So, in this Sunday’s sharing, we will shift our focus and share a little of what is this thing called LITURGY and what does it really mean?
We have probably heard the word ‘liturgy’ being used at church, but have we ever thought about what it means? I will be the first to admit that it is not an easy or quick answer to give. To begin to define what is liturgy, we really must look at what we do in a liturgical celebration, and at what the liturgy does in us.
Our idea of ‘liturgy’ has roots way back in ancient Greek concept of leitourgia. To the Greeks, it refers to any public works that were done for the good of the people. In the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa Pastoral Plan, liturgy is defined as a “Public Worship”. The Pastoral Plan further tells us that as “God’s people, it is truly right and just our duty to gather together to offer praise, thanksgiving and sacrifice to God.”
There are many liturgical celebrations in the Church today. The liturgy that we think of first is the Mass. Other liturgies include the celebration of any of the Sacraments (either with or without the Eucharist), the Liturgy of the Hours, and many more public celebrations by the Church. The very critical characteristic shared by each is the revelation of an aspect of the Paschal Mystery at the center of the celebration.
When we celebrate the LITURGY, we must prepare ourselves interiorly for the great thing that takes place in it: here and now Christ is present and, with him all in heaven. There everyone is filled with unspeakable joy and at the same time with loving care for us. The last book of Sacred Scripture, the Book of Revelation clearly illustrates in mysterious images this liturgy to which we here on earth join our voices.
Lastly, sometimes the Liturgy has been called “the summit and source” of Christian life. The way in which we live the Christian virtues in our everyday lives – at work, at home, and at school – directs us back to the liturgies of the Church. And it is by celebrating the liturgies that we are strengthened to go back into the world, to live as Christians and to build up the Body of Christ.
Thank you and May God Bless Us All.
