Liturgy: Sessions IX & X

Liturgy: Sessions IX & X

We have just wrapped up the on the topic of Liturgy in the Adult First Communion class. The RCIA & Adult Religious Ed group that meets on Wednesdays will continue on this topic & finish this week.

Here are some key points that I would like to stress:

1. Liturgy is an act of worship. It has been an act of worship long before Christianity began. The rituals we use today has its roots from the New Testament. Also, in Matthew 18: 20, Jesus says “..For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Here is more historical & biblical information to an online source Catholic Encyclopedia on the topic of Liturgy and Lessons on the Liturgy.
2. In a Christian Liturgy, the center of our focus will always be on the Trinity; Father, Son & Holy Spirit. On page 177 in our books “Doctrinal Statements” it reads: a) In liturgy, we praise and adore the Father as the source of all the blessings of creation, salvation, and divine adoption. b)… In liturgy, Christ the Son of God made flesh acts in the Sacraments in which he communicates his saving power for Body the Church. c) In liturgy, the Holy Spirit brings the assembly to meet Christ, to make Christ’s saving work present, and to sanctify the members that they may witness Christ.
3. The Liturgy celebrates the Sacraments that Jesus himself instituted: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders, Reconciliation & Anointing of the Sick. At Mass, we celebrate the Liturgy of the Word (readings from scripture) and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the high point of the Mass in which we celebrate Jesus’ death & resurrection and we are all called to remember: “Do this in memory of me. “  We offer our “thanks” (meaning of Eucharist) to Christ for offering his Body & Blood for us by taking part in this Paschal Meal together. We are now in Communion with each other & with Jesus. Together we form the Body (Church) and the Head (Jesus). More on this topic when we go into the Sacrament of Eucharist.
4. The Liturgy celebrates Sacramentals (Blessings) that the Church had instituted: We are all called to bless and be blessed. There are rites and rituals that are reserved for bishops, priests and deacons only but there are rites and rituals that the laity (us) can pray over and bless as well.

Here is the PowerPoint presentation in PDF format with my notes: Liturgy & Liturgical Seasons

as well as the two videos shared during class. Please feel free to check the Additional Readings page on this topic. Till we see each other again, please have a blessed week!