The holidays are over for now and many people may be breathing a sigh of relief as they attempt to return to the ordinary routine of daily living. In the liturgical year, we have moved into Ordinary Time with green vestments and Scripture readings that recount the not-so-simple ways in which Jesus chose to break into the lives of ordinary people. With this new year 2018 comes the arrival of a new semester for many school students so I thought, why don't we have a liturgy course right here in the bulletin?
Oh, now, don't get scared! There will be no tests and I will not quiz you if I run into you in the supermarket. Simply, I will offer a brief liturgical snippet for you to read and reflect upon each week. In this so-called "new semester," we will be looking at aspects of the Mass-what we do in the sacred Liturgy and, even more importantly, why we do what we do! Hopefully, you will find the information contained in this weekly column, Liturgically Speaking, helpful-guiding you toward an authentic understanding of what we may oftentimes either take for granted or just plain wonder about.
For example, what do our common postures of standing, sitting, and kneeling mean? Why and when do we genuflect and bow - and is there a difference? When should an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion approach the altar? What really is the role of a choir? And many more liturgical points! The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy and the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, which can be downloaded online, will be our trusty guides so you can be sure you are getting the correct information and not simply an opinion.
As we reflect on the structure, the meaning, and the beauty of the Sacred Liturgy over the coming weeks and months, my prayer is that together we will not only grow in our continued understanding of the rite, but that we will come to recognize just what an awesome gift the Mass is in our life. Let us pray to be open and eager to let go of whatever may possibly interfere with our desire and willingness to hear and learn more about the Liturgy.
Finally, why not find opportunities to talk to one another about what you read in this column? Imagine how meaningful our liturgical celebrations will be if we become regular readers of Liturgically Speaking!
God bless you!