The tenth century Syriac monk, Rabban Isho, who heard about the exquisite harmonies, elaborate processions and beautiful ritual of the imperial court liturgy, asked this simple and much revealing question, “but does it bring anyone to repentance?” Liturgy can and should be beautiful, but unless it is also prayer, helping the worshipper to turn from sin towards God and to do what is good, it is not authentic. (Bishop Gregory J. Mansour, "On Liturgy and Prayer," Third Pastoral Letter to the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn, Maronite Catholic Church, 5-6.)
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Authentic Liturgy
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2 comments:
I've come to think that the liturgy is one of the more important evangelising tools, especially for the evangelising of those already Catholic.
When it comes to matters of morality, conversion, or a deeper conversion, is a far greater force than intellectual arguments. Things like abortion won't be beaten by man; it will take God. Liturgy brings him to us.
Hugo, for those who might run across this page as non-Catholics. Would you give a brief definition of what Liturgy is to a Catholic?
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