Parable and Conscience Meditation November 24

Liturgy  November 24

In liturgical celebrations each person, minister or layman, who has an office to perform, should do all of, but only, those parts which pertain to his office by the nature of the rite and the principles of liturgy (Vatican Council II, SC 28).

The liturgy of the Church reflects its hierarchical character.  Christ makes all the members of his Body participants in his prayer to the Father.  Normally, an ordained person (bishop or priest) presides in the name of Christ.  He is at the head of the assembly, directs the prayer, preaches, effects the sacrifice, shares the bread.  The president can be helped by another ordained minister, the deacon, whose tasks are to proclaim the Gospel, preach the Word, speak the General Intercessions, lead the assembly and help in the distribution of the Eucharist.  There are “instituted” ministers, acolytes and lectors, officially designated to prepare the Table and read the Word respectively.  Other lay people can take these functions as well.  There are other lay ministers such as the altar servers, choir and ushers.  The congregation itself participates actively by singing, praying, listening, offering and receiving Communion.  The whole Christ prays.

The person thinks of self as capable of doing everything alone becomes sweaty.  (Shi)