LITURGY

DEFINITION:

1. Mass and Sacraments in their full eccelial expression, viz., the Holy Trinity operating ad extra - Christ perpetuating the messianic mystery and extending the Passover victory over the devil by means of signs in the Holy Spirit accomplished in persona Christi within the Mystical Body, affirmatively embraced by the individual person unto the forgiveness of sins, grace, and the glory of the Father.
2. Two elementary principles: a) Trinitarian; b) It telescopes "salvation history" in single saving acts, with a threefold dimension: past (commemorative), present (demonstrative) and future (prognostic).
3. Past: Remember, relive the past to lay a firm foundation on the promise or covenant spoken of through history. By remembering the past we confirm our hope as we make God's ways our way of thinking and living. We learn from past mistakes and are inspired by the efforts of those who went ahead. This remembering enflames our hearts with Divinve love. We submit our wills to the Divine Plan manifested in time. It draws us to experience the presence of the Lord. We come to serve his closely, intimately and faithfully. We recognize out inheritance and we accept it joyfully. From what we have seen in the past we know for certain that this worship in "spirit and in truth" will bring about the necessary effects.
4. Present: The reality of this "mystery of our faith" is ever present to us. Liturgy bestows on us grace and forgiveness here and now. It actualizes what it signifies. The efficacy is seen in its fruits: conversion (change of heart), forgivness, increase in virtues, seeing things from a divine perspective, inspirations, illuminations, divine communications and above all communion.
5. Future: We live in this mystery as "already and not yet." We look to the future with certainty. Keeping these eternal values in mind we live our lives as pilgrims. In our fidelity to the Master we look forward to our eternal reward where we enter the enternal marriage feast of the Lamb.
6. Litury is the life of God manifested in the Church. We see this manifested as mystery, communion and mission.
7. Keep in mind the mission of the Trinity: creation, redemption and sanctification.
8. The discipling of Jesus and Mary. See the upper room, the scene of the last supper and Pentecost. It is the prayer of Jesus, at the last supper. Getsemene and on the cross. Standing by Jesus crucified is Mary and his disciples. Jesus drawing all to himself.
9. The sense of the Church: from the prayers, the various antiphons, the feasts, and the readings. Maybe one may have to go to the preface of the day.
10. The eucharist is a prayer of thanksgiving. Jesus Christ, his entire Body head and members, offers the sacrifice of the whole of creation in and with and through Jesus. It is offered to please God so that we see all in the goodness of the Father; for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
11. In what way does it relate to the Marian-Trinitarian relationships.
12. Also how does it relate to our own vision, charism and mission.
13. How does it relate to our own spirituality.
14. What are the signs of the times, what are the needs around us and how does the Liturgy speak to these. Salt and leaven.
15. To be expansive in our outlook and see God working in the world, in different walks of life, in different peoples, cultures.
16. How to move from Liturgy to Liturgy, communion to communion? Reverence, adoration, gratitude, consciousness.
17. One may look to the two themes that often run through the liturgical year: light and life.
18. What are the teachings of the Church, Holy Father or the Bishops at that period of time and how can they be applied to the present Liturgy; how can they be missioned?
19. What is it that the Father is trying to communicate to us? What is Jesus and Mary trying to teach us? What new revelation, insight, awareness, or direction is the Holy Spirit moving us to? And through whom does the Trinity communicate?
20. Which are the areas where Satan is trying to tempt most of the people? Which obstacles does he bring? And what methods does he use?
21. If from this communication, revelation, and direction there is a plan of action; then what are the obstacles that could come in our way of executing them?
22. How do the Psalms in the Liturgy of the Hours relate to the Liturgy of the day?
23. How does the spiritual exercise of the day relate to the Liturgy of the day?
24. When you read the readings of the day; try to locate from where it is taken. Then go to the Bible and see the context in which the reading is taken. Is it a letter? To whom it is written? Or is it a book? Then what is the central message of the book?
25. Why has the Church placed these readings at this particular time. We constantly draw from the TREASURY OF FAITH/DEPOSIT OF FAITH.
26. How to integrate the Liturgy with one's prayer life? Can one find thoughts for meditation or contemplation? Could one use one of the themes as ejaculatory prayers which one would just repeat a number of times during the day to keep the theme alive?
27. What is the relation to the gifts of the Spirit? Or to the virtues, especially faith, hope and charity.
28. The essence of Liturgy is mass and sacraments. See for example the forty days of lent wherein the Church prepares all for the sacrament of Baptism.
29. One has to make an effort to be aware that at every moment of the day or night somewhere the Liturgy is being celebrated.
30. Liturgy must be lived in eternity; for with God there is only an eternal NOW. For us who live in time and space, we may see the sacrifice of the mass celebrated at a particular time and place; but we put on the mind of God, which the Holy Spirit can enable us to, then every Eucharist will always be the ONE and SAME sacrifice Jesus offered on the cross.

HOW TO MAKE THE LITURGY LIVING?

1. Which are the problems, struggles, difficulties, situations, desires, etc., that seem to bother me, draw my attention to or take most of my time?
2. Is the Liturgy calling me, challenging me or reminding me of something I did in my life, often do, or neglect doing?
3. What theme, phrase, thought or image could I use from the Liturgy that will attract me to spend considerable time during the day or even at night?
4. Are there areas in my life which the Liturgy does not relate to specifically?
5. What particular mystery or aspect of it am I drawn to now?
6. What is it that helps you from the Liturgy, to build, encourage, transform, convict, etc.
7. What is it that seems to be important especially in the lives of those you are sent to or those who are sent to you?
8. In living the Liturgy and making it alive for others, move towards:
9. Creation: to build, an increase of faith, hope and love, to see goodness in all and bless all in the goodness of God, ever seeking to please the beloved and finding ways and means to give God greater glory.
10. Redemption: to save, seek the lost, draw the homeless and rejected to your heart so that in the Lord they may find rest, and to enter that great prayer of intercession.
11. Sanctification: to discern the will of God in all things especially the small, insignificant, the little.
12. Which are the graces God gives me? What needs do these graces meet?
13. Which relationships are presented to me and what are the effects and how to live them?
14. What are the changes I can make to bring about this personal relationship with the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit?
15. Is there something specific or general that is expected of me?
16. Is there a direction in which I am drawn towards?
17. Which insights are:a) helping me sort out my confusion,b)helping me understand my problems, c) a source of courage?
18. Are there certain areas which are clarified, focused and because of which I understand my past and the gifts and abilities I have to work for the Lord?
19. What spiritual sacrifices can I offer so as to bring them for the next Eucharist? In what ways can I identify the spiritual sacrifices of the people entrusted to my care so that I could make them participate in a living Eucharist?
20. Is there a change in my prayer life? What am I doing to maintain level of prayer I am in?

GRACES YOU SHOULD EXPECT TO RECEIVE IN THE LITURGY

1. Burning, unquenchable, prolonged, intense desire to be with the Lord always.
2. To love Him with the love that the Spirit creates in you and draws you to.
3. To be aware of the heavenly court, the angels and saints and to experience their joy, pleasure and profound adoration.
4. The grace of union, belonging, being chosen, beloved.
5. The grace of change of heart: putting on the mind of Christ, becoming a person after the heart of God, thinking the way God thinks, having His values.
6. Grace of quiet, peace, tranquility, deep interior silence, contentment. This helps discernment.
7. Grace of entering into the mysteries, especially the Paschal Mystery.
8. Grace of urgency: to care, care, save, reach out; to bring the Good-news to others.
9. Grace to decrease: to be humble, proclaim God's greatness.
10. To be eternally grateful, thankful, wondering, amazed at the great things God works in your life and that of others.
11. Healing of hurt, resentment, prejudice, fear, anxiety, passions.
12. Perception of the reasons why God allows us to face evil inclinations; to provide us with greater gifts and blessings.
13. The person of Mary drawing you, beckoning you to be faithful, to listen to what the Lord tells you and to do it.
14. The taste of heavenly joy and peace.