Posted on 11/10/2014 7:20:24 AM PST by Salvation
The Heavenly Elements of the Liturgy
In November, Catholics are encouraged to meditate on the “Last Things.” As you know, I write quite often on Hell. But I have written on Heaven, too. In this post I propose simply to set forth how much of our liturgy is a kind of dress rehearsal for Heaven.
Indeed, Catholics are often unaware just how biblical the Sacred Liturgy is. The design of our traditional churches; the use of candles, incense, and golden vessels; the postures of standing and kneeling; the altar; the singing of hymns; priests wearing albs and so forth are all depicted in the Scriptures. Some of these details were features of the ancient Jewish Temple, but most are reiterated in the Book of Revelation, which describes the liturgy of Heaven.
The liturgy here on earth is modeled after the liturgy in Heaven; that is why it is so serious to tamper with it. The Book of Revelation describes the heavenly liturgy and focuses on a scroll or book that contains the meaning of life and the answers to all we seek. It also focuses on the Lamb of God, standing but with the marks of slaughter upon it. Does this not sound familiar? It is the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
We do well to be aware of the biblical roots of the Sacred Liturgy, not only for our own edification but also as an answer to those Protestant Christians who have largely set aside these rituals and criticize our use of them. Many people consider our rituals to be empty and vain, “smells and bells.” Some consider austere liturgical environments devoid of much ritual to be “purer” and closer to the worship in “spirit and in truth” that Jesus spoke of in John 4.
To such criticisms we must insist that these rituals, properly understood, are mystical and deeply biblical. Further, they are elements of the heavenly liturgy since almost all of them are mentioned as aspects of the worship or liturgy that takes place in Heaven. In this light, it is a serious mistake to set them aside or have a dismissive attitude toward them.
With that in mind we ought to consider the biblical references to the most common elements of Catholic and Orthodox liturgies. I have added my own occasional note in red.
Candles -
Altar -
Chair -
Priests (elders) in Albs -
Bishop’s miter, priest’s biretta –
Focus on a scroll (book), The Liturgy of the Word -
Incense, Intercessory prayer -
Hymns –
Holy, Holy, Holy –
Prostration (Kneeling) -
Lamb of God -
Acclamations –
Amen! -
Silence –
Mary -
Happy are those called to His “supper” -
Golden vessels, vestments –
Stained Glass -
Here is but a partial list, drawn only from the Book of Revelation. I invite you to add to it. You might also read The Lamb’s Supper, by Scott Hahn, and The Mass: A Biblical Prayer, by Fr. Peter Stravinskas.
Msgr. Pope Ping!
I just happen to be reading the “Lamb’s Supper” by Scott Hahn right now - (there are no coincidences). I highly recommend it.
Revelation also definitely is THE proof text for the Blessed Mother’s Assumption, as well. St. John witnesses her in Heaven - there is no doubt whatsoever that the doctrine of the Assumption is completely biblical.
Thanks for the ping and the article.
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I would also use it in high school settings. Maybe Jr. high.
I “third” that.
I have the graphic novel of the book of Revelation which came out a few years ago. It is faithful to the Bible text.
Nice summary. Thanks for posting!
It's disingenuous for Catholics to claim scriptural support when they supposedly "wrote the Bible".
That would be interesting. I took a course on it with a priest. It was so interesting.
Not really! He’s pointing this out to Catholics who have been in the habit of not paying close attention. I think you know that.
Gee, it doesn’t mention the praying with hands held or kissy-huggy Sign of Peace.
That's a devastating counter-argument! What other things do you think?
"disingenuous"? It is laughable. This Roman Cult uses any remote excuse it can manufacture an attempt to connect its demonic heresies to the Scriptures. They cannot and will not read the message of the Book, they cannot submit their false doctrines to the scrutiny of the text, but they pathetically try to use unrelated and spurious passages to support their tripe. They ought to stick to what they do best...child abuse.
I cannot count how many times I have had to confess being ticked off about those issues and the hand holding during the Our Father.
You sure spend a lot of your day going after Catholics. Why don't you spend that time working on your own bunch?
What Denomination do you attend?
“...They cannot and will not read the message of the book...”
This is your opinion. Since you are not Catholic you are simply mocking the Faith from the outside. A non Catholic is not qualified to judge Catholics because of their denial of the Sacraments and Sacred Traditions (the Divine Liturgy, etc.); all of which are clearly referenced in the bible.
Please do not mock and abuse our Faith since you do not have the authority to do so because you do not properly understand it. Thank you in advance.
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