Reflections for Liturgy Copyright © 1999 by Rick Swenton
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Understanding the Liturgy of the Word May 17, 1999 The liturgy of the Mass consists of two major parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Eucharist is very important to us. But so is God’s Word. During the Liturgy of the Word, God speaks to his people through the scripture. In hearing the Word, we actualize God’s real presence among us. At this time, in a very real way, "God is speaking to his people." In hearing God speak to us, we receive Christ’s power to be living witnesses before the world. When the Church proclaims both the Old and the New Testament, it is proclaiming one and the same mystery of Christ. We discover the New Testament hidden in the Old Testament. We see the Old Testament fulfilled in the New Testament. Notice that scripture is not merely read but rather proclaimed! The four scripture readings (The First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading and Gospel) deserve our attention and respect, for it is through these readings that God speaks directly to us today. We are reminded of the history of salvation – the promise God made to us. We are reminded of God’s love that continues to care for us today. And we are given a foretaste of heaven The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist form one single act of worship. Through the Word we receive wisdom. Through the Body and Blood we grow in holiness. The promise of God is announced. The promise of God is renewed. The Mass offers sacrifice of praise to God and offers us the fullness of redemption. The Second Vatican Council teaches us that Christ is present during the liturgy of the Mass in four modes: The Presence of Christ in the Word He is present in his Word, for it is he who speaks when the holy scriptures are read in church. "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." -Luke 4:21 He is present in his Word, for it is he who speaks when the holy scriptures are read in church. "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." -Luke 4:21 The Presence of Christ in the Eucharist He is present through the sacrament of the Eucharist as the bread and wine are transformed into his Body and Blood. He is present through the sacrament of the Eucharist as the bread and wine are transformed into his Body and Blood. The Presence of Christ in the Community Christ is present in the celebrating community , as he promised: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." -Matt 18:20 Christ is present in the celebrating community , as he promised: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." -Matt 18:20 The Presence of Christ in the Presiding Priest As presider over the community in the person of Christ, the priest, in the name of the whole community, addresses our prayers to God and offers the celebration of the Eucharist with us. As liturgical ministers we need to remain aware of our responsibility to proclaim the Word of God with enthusiasm, reverence and due care. We need to set an atmosphere of solemnity throughout the Mass. The Ambo is a sacred place where the proclamation occurs. It is approached with reverence. The Lectionary is the book of sacred scriptures. It "is" the Word. It is handled ceremonially with deliberate care. Everything we do or say needs to supplement the holy action. We need to be transparent. Finally, we are sacred people. We are called to our ministry in a special way but we are also called to bring God’s people closer together through our talents – our gifts. We are called to be Christ for others. This is not celebrating ourselves but rather celebrating GOD IN US. As we prepare for the new millennium, let’s see what we can do as liturgical ministers to enhance the quality of our work and the understanding of our mission. May the Holy Spirit enflame our hearts with a new light to shine for all of God’s people. | 
