We are a liturgical church. LITURGY has significance. It means, 'the work of the people,' which means it brings the worshippers into the responsibility of worship. It isn't supposed to be passive (being watched or entertained). It isn't meant to appeal to or serve the worshipper. We praise God by sacrificing our needs to the need of those around us. We follow a formula - a tradition - a way we deny ourselves and take up the cross. It is not about us . . . . it is about God and our neighbors.
Christianity has a long history. This liturgy - a formula of worship, connects us to our foundation of faith. It echoes the Jewish structure from which it developed, and holds up the biblical verses it raises in antiphonal exclamation. Some parts of the catholic liturgy have its roots from the Church's beginning.
When we sing the Kyrie . . . we sing the prayer that the earliest church sang . . . . 'Lord, have mercy!' It is the gathering that Jesus called for in his preaching of the Kingdom.
Can it change? Yes, it has. For example, we worship in the vernacular of the people - here we worship using the English language. Changes we make are done with great humility, not for marketing or entertainment. We respect where we came from and where we are going.
Christianity has a long history. This liturgy - a formula of worship, connects us to our foundation of faith. It echoes the Jewish structure from which it developed, and holds up the biblical verses it raises in antiphonal exclamation. Some parts of the catholic liturgy have its roots from the Church's beginning.
When we sing the Kyrie . . . we sing the prayer that the earliest church sang . . . . 'Lord, have mercy!' It is the gathering that Jesus called for in his preaching of the Kingdom.
Can it change? Yes, it has. For example, we worship in the vernacular of the people - here we worship using the English language. Changes we make are done with great humility, not for marketing or entertainment. We respect where we came from and where we are going.
