Week 25: Passages 1130- 1167

This week we finish up Chapter One (The Liturgy- Work of the Holy Trinity) of Part Two (The Celebration of the Christian Mystery).
We are discussing the sacraments: the sacraments of faith, sacraments of salvation, and now the sacraments of eternal life.

V. The Sacraments of Eternal Life
In the sacraments, the Church shares in the guarantee of eternal life with Christ.
Chapter Two: The Sacramental Celebration of the Christian Mystery
Article 1: Celebrating the Churches Liturgy
I. Who Celebrates?
The whole community of the body of Christ celebrates the sacramental liturgy. All the baptized share in the common priesthood of Christ and offer sacrifices for the good of all. Some are called to the sacrament of Holy Orders to act as an “icon” of Christ. There are also particular ministries not consecrated by Holy Orders, such as servers, readers, commentors and members of the choir.
II. How is the Liturgy Celebrated?
Signs and symbols
Words and actions
Singing and music
Holy images
III. When is the Liturgy Celebrated?
Liturgical seasons
The Church commemorates the saving work of her divine spouse on certain days throughout the year. She unfolds the whole mystery of his saving work over the course of the year. From the time of the Mosaic Law the people of God have celebrated fixed feast days to commemorate the astonishing actions of God.
The Church’s celebration is marked by the word “Today!” – echoing the prayer the Lord taught her.

“This ‘today’ of the living God which man is called to enter is ‘the hour’ of
Jesus’ Passover, which reaches across and underlies all history.” (CCC 1165)

The Lord’s day
In a tradition handed down from the apostles the Church celebrates the Paschal Mystery every seventh day. This day is both the first day of the week, the memorial of the first day of creation, and the eighth day on which Christ institutes the “day that has no evening”.
The Lord’s supper is its center, and this day is the most important day for liturgical assembly.

“When we ponder, o Christ, the marvels accomplished on this day, the Sunday
of your holy resurrection, we say: ‘Blessed is Sunday, for on it began
creation…the world’s salvation…the renewal of the human race…On Sunday heaven
and earth rejoiced and the whole universe was filled with light. Blessed
is Sunday, for on it were opened the gates of paradise so that Adam and all the
exiles might enter it without fear.” (CCC 1167)

Have a blessed Sunday!