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The Biblical Roots of the [Catholic] Liturgy
Archdiocese of Washington ^ | 11-26-17 | Msgr. Charles Pope

Posted on 11/27/2017 8:37:19 AM PST by Salvation

The Biblical Roots of the Liturgy

November 26, 2017

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. Many people consider our rituals to be empty and vain, “smells and bells.” Some think austere liturgical environments devoid of much ritual are “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 our 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, except for one quote drawn only from the Book of Revelation. I invite you to add to it.

Here is an awesome video with wonderful quotes:


TOPICS: Apologetics; Catholic; History; Theology
KEYWORDS: catholic; liturgy
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To: NKP_Vet
Pardon me, you’re a hell of a lot smarter than John Henry Newman.

I don't know if I am or not. I'm certainly not as prolific a writer.

But of course the point is that your claim was false.

141 posted on 11/27/2017 5:52:12 PM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: NKP_Vet; daniel1212
Gee, since you think Cardinal Newman is so smart, you will agree with this that he wrote:

"The use of temples, and these dedicated to particular saints, and ornamented on occasions with branches of trees; incense, lamps, and candles; votive offerings on recovery from illness; holy water; asylums; holydays and seasons, use of calendars, processions, blessings on the fields; sacerdotal vestments, the tonsure, the ring in marriage, turning to the East, images at a later date, perhaps the ecclesiastical chant, and the Kyrie Eleison [Note 17], are all of pagan origin , and sanctified by their adoption into the Church.." {374} "The introduction of Images was still later, and met with more opposition in the West than in the East."

(John Henry Newman, An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine, Chapter 8. Application of the Third Note of a True Development—Assimilative Power; http://www.newmanreader.org/works/development/chapter8.html)

hat tip to daniel1212

142 posted on 11/27/2017 5:54:52 PM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: ealgeone

**Roman Catholicism is modeled more on the OT system of sacrifices than the NT. The Msgr is looking the wrong way.**

Except for an added twist, a really BIG added twist. Here is a clue:

I’m so young and you’re so old
This, my darling, I’ve been told
I don’t care just what they say
‘Cause forever I will pray.........
Oh, please stay by me, Diana

(Some lyrics from a Paul Anka hit tune, but fitting for the RC faithful, IMO.)


143 posted on 11/27/2017 5:55:45 PM PST by Zuriel (Acts 2:38,39....Do you believe it?)
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To: infool7
Interesting Prayer however our Lord seems to be suggesting something different in the following passage.

Yeah, those Irish don't always pray right.

144 posted on 11/27/2017 5:56:21 PM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: pgyanke
No. No need to stop. When some of the ECFs offer differing opinions they are dismissed as "stray private opinions". It illustrates my position clearly.

If you read the entire article you will note the article says this about the Immaculate Conception....No direct or categorical and stringent proof of the dogma can be brought forward from Scripture.

Over time and through the Holy Spirit, doctrine has developed. It has been a slow process and one full of deliberation and debate. That doesn't invalidate the Church nor the body of theology. It actually enhances it because all sides of issues have been contemplated for millennia. You think you are the first ones to seek answers?

The Mormons and others have made the same claim that doctrine continues to develop.

There is currently a movement among some Roman Catholics to proclaim another Marian dogma. However, the RCC is not yet ready to proclaim it....yet. But it will happen given enough popular support and time. http://www.fifthmariandogma.com/

145 posted on 11/27/2017 5:57:58 PM PST by ealgeone
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To: Salvation

The one and true Catholic church of Jesus Christ, with “the rock” in charge.


146 posted on 11/27/2017 5:58:12 PM PST by Coleus (For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.)
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To: ealgeone
* Sigh *... what are you doing, googling "arguments against Catholics?" This one is old and tired.

Quoting a devotional text is not doctrinal. What the priest does at the Altar is both humble in service to God and powerful in application. What has been quoted is a devotional rendering where the priest is marveling at the power bestowed upon him where he actually participates in Christ's crucifixion. It is not a resacrifice of Christ, it is a participation outside of time and space in the one event. Christ is the offering for sin. We offer the Mass in praise and thanksgiving of His sacrifice.

147 posted on 11/27/2017 6:00:31 PM PST by pgyanke (Republicans get in trouble when not living up to their principles. Democrats... when they do.)
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To: Coleus
x
148 posted on 11/27/2017 6:00:37 PM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: pgyanke
The dude's a Roman Catholic priest...you're not. Who is more likely to understand what is happening in the Mass?

The book is not a devotional text. He's describing what happens in the Mass.

Roman Catholics don't like this to be published. I can understand why.

149 posted on 11/27/2017 6:03:38 PM PST by ealgeone
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To: pgyanke
Vatican I or Vatican II?

So which one are you...?

150 posted on 11/27/2017 6:04:58 PM PST by ealgeone
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To: ealgeone
Doctrine does develop. Christ promised the Holy Spirit to teach all things... do you think He quit after a couple of years?

Please post for me the Lord's Prayer with the Scripture citation for all that you pray each time...

151 posted on 11/27/2017 6:06:16 PM PST by pgyanke (Republicans get in trouble when not living up to their principles. Democrats... when they do.)
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To: aMorePerfectUnion
I think some of these converts may have been former protestants. There are more than 300.

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152 posted on 11/27/2017 6:08:55 PM PST by infool7 (Pray, Think, Pray, Act, Pray Pray Pray...)
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To: ealgeone
The book is not a devotional text. He's describing what happens in the Mass.

He's describing it in words of awe, not as a catechism.

Roman Catholics don't like this to be published. I can understand why.

It's much easier to argue with yourself, isn't it? I have answered your childish challenge adequately. Whether or not you accept the answer is your business.

153 posted on 11/27/2017 6:08:56 PM PST by pgyanke (Republicans get in trouble when not living up to their principles. Democrats... when they do.)
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To: ealgeone

Both Vatican I and Vatican II are councils of the Church. I am both. What schism do you suppose?


154 posted on 11/27/2017 6:09:53 PM PST by pgyanke (Republicans get in trouble when not living up to their principles. Democrats... when they do.)
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To: pgyanke
Doctrine does develop. Christ promised the Holy Spirit to teach all things... do you think He quit after a couple of years?

You mean this verse?

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26 NASB

Please post for me the Lord's Prayer with the Scripture citation for all that you pray each time...

The Lord's Prayer is found in Matthew 6:9-13.

I don't personally have a rote prayer I say every night. Sometimes I will say the Lord's Prayer. It varies. I'm talking to God. Paul told us to bring our requests to Him...I do that.

6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 NASB

155 posted on 11/27/2017 6:12:19 PM PST by ealgeone
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To: infool7
Sorry I don't have a complete list of millions of South Americans who left Rome to come to Christ and gain eternal life.

Fortunately, God has the Official List.

156 posted on 11/27/2017 6:12:29 PM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: pgyanke
Again...he's an ordained Roman Catholic priest...you're not. So again..who would know better?

Also, his book was noted to be written without error in doctrine.

It's much easier to argue with yourself, isn't it? I have answered your childish challenge adequately.

Keep thinking that.

157 posted on 11/27/2017 6:14:56 PM PST by ealgeone
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To: infool7
Leaving the Priesthood

There are 41,500 Diocesan and Religious priests in the United States today.

During the past 60 years 25,000 priests have left the priesthood in the United States
and over 120,000 priests worldwide have left.


158 posted on 11/27/2017 6:15:47 PM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: aMorePerfectUnion

There’s no sense in arguing with you. It’s like talking to a wall. Here’s something to get your gander up, Written by a former protestant.

Not only is the Bible silent when it comes to sola scriptura, but Scripture is remarkably plain in teaching oral Tradition to be just as much the word of God as is Scripture. In what most scholars believe was the first book written in the New Testament, St. Paul said:

And we also thank God… that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God… (I Thess. 2:13)

II Thess. 2:15 adds:

So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions you have been taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.

According to St. Paul, the spoken word from the apostles was just as much the word of God as was the later written word.

Sola Scriptura is Unworkable

When it comes to the tradition of Protestantism—sola scriptura—the silence of the text of Scripture is deafening. When it comes to the true authority of Scripture and Tradition, the Scriptures are clear. And when it comes to the teaching and governing authority of the Church, the biblical text is equally as clear:

If your brother sins against you go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone … But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you … If he refuses to listen … tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. (Mt. 18:15-17)

According to Scripture, the Church—not the Bible alone—is the final court of appeal for the people of God in matters of faith and discipline. But isn’t it also telling that since the Reformation of just ca. 480 years ago—a reformation claiming sola scriptura as its formal principle—there are now over 33,000 denominations that have derived from it?

For 1,500 years, Christianity saw just a few enduring schisms (the Monophysites, Nestorians, the Orthodox, and a very few others). Now in just 480 years we have this? I hardly think that when Jesus prophesied there would be “one shepherd and one fold” in Jn. 10:16, this is what he had in mind. It seems quite clear to me that not only is sola scriptura unreasonable and unbiblical, but it is unworkable. The proof is in the puddin’!


159 posted on 11/27/2017 6:16:45 PM PST by NKP_Vet ("Man without God descends into madness")
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To: ealgeone
I don't personally have a rote prayer I say every night. Sometimes I will say the Lord's Prayer.

Ok... WHEN you pray the Lord's Prayer, what do you say?

160 posted on 11/27/2017 6:16:59 PM PST by pgyanke (Republicans get in trouble when not living up to their principles. Democrats... when they do.)
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