I was delighted to come across a new blog whose focus is on The New Liturgical Movement called for by Pope Benedict. They speak about "The reform of the reform -- Classical Roman Rite, Eastern Christianity, Sacred art, architecture and music." A cause after my own heart!! IMO, there is so much lacking liturgically in many American parishes today. We have stripped the physical church of much that used to remind us of and transport us to the sacred. Worship in many churches is little different than worshiping in one's living room. While that is necessary in parts of the world where Christianity is severely persecuted, we in the United States are thankfully not at that point yet.
While we still have freedom of religion and can worship God in all His glory, let's do it! Let's show the Lord, and the world, what God means to us, as much as our poor human ability allows.
Music, art and incense can almost literally transport us to the heavens and express our union with the Divine. The biblical Book of Revelations expresses Heaven in just these liturgical terms.
And another angel came and stood before the altar, having a golden censer: and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer of the prayers of all saints, upon the golden altar which is before the throne of God.
And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended up before God from the hand of the angel. Revelation 8:3-4
We are before the throne of God when we are before His Blessed Sacrament. This is a unique gift that God has given us while we are on this Earth away from our Heavenly home. God is literally with us on earth. Bells, candles, incense and the like, are God's gifts to help us worship Him while we wait on earth until we can see Him face to face.
2 comments:
Amen!
Pope Benedict XVI has paved this way to the renewal of Sacred Liturgy when he was Cardinal through his book "The Spirit of the Liturgy".
It's yet to be seen how many parishes in the U.S. will truly return to the more traditional rite but at least Pope Benedict is slowly working toward its return. I hope it will bear fruit in the next generation.
I think you are being realistic about it. I hope it does bear fruit in the next generation if not sooner.
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