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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: aMorePerfectUnion

Attacking where there is no reason to attack.


41 posted on 11/27/2017 9:55:48 AM PST by Biggirl ("One Lord, one faith, one baptism" - Ephesians 4:5W)
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To: aMorePerfectUnion

Another anti-Catholic attack.


42 posted on 11/27/2017 10:04:14 AM PST by Biggirl ("One Lord, one faith, one baptism" - Ephesians 4:5W)
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To: Slyfox

The attacker in question is just giving opinions that is all.


43 posted on 11/27/2017 10:08:03 AM PST by Biggirl ("One Lord, one faith, one baptism" - Ephesians 4:5W)
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To: Tao Yin
We admit the liturgy is a man-made invention...

"We" admit no such thing!

Christ Himself taught us to worship. At the Last Supper and through His Passion, He performed the first Mass. How important is it? St Paul (who wasn't present at the Last Supper) handed on what was given him directly by Christ which was the sacrifice of the Mass (1 Cor 11:23-26).

After His Resurrection and before His Ascension, Jesus spent 40 days instructing His Apostles through the Holy Spirit on the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:1-3). Where is the Kingdom of God in this world but in the Church? That's a lot of instruction that too many take for granted as being nothing special because it wasn't written down and shared in a Scriptural format.

44 posted on 11/27/2017 10:10:24 AM PST by pgyanke (Republicans get in trouble when not living up to their principles. Democrats... when they do.)
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To: aMorePerfectUnion

Which is based on attacking how certain Christian communities worship.


45 posted on 11/27/2017 10:11:52 AM PST by Biggirl ("One Lord, one faith, one baptism" - Ephesians 4:5W)
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To: Biggirl
Sarcastic opinions meant to demean is not sharing opinion - it is meant to take a huge swipe at someone else's faith.

That is NOT Christian.

46 posted on 11/27/2017 10:13:11 AM PST by Slyfox (Are you tired of winning yet?)
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To: Tao Yin

Thank-you for your help .


47 posted on 11/27/2017 10:15:58 AM PST by Biggirl ("One Lord, one faith, one baptism" - Ephesians 4:5W)
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To: aMorePerfectUnion

The consensus of scholarship says that we have at least two genuine apologies from Justin. Your view is not of that consensus.


48 posted on 11/27/2017 10:17:33 AM PST by Doche2X2
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To: Doche2X2
The consensus of scholarship says that we have at least two genuine apologies from Justin. Your view is not of that consensus.

The absolute consensus of all scholarship is that we have something from about 450 AD that we attribute to Justin Martyr.

Beyond that, we have no way of knowing if the original manuscripts have been changed. Scholarship cannot tell us that until we find a much earlier manuscript, assuming one still exists.

Beyond that, and more importantly, we know that Apostles never recognized Christian priests, nor a mass.

49 posted on 11/27/2017 10:23:53 AM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: Salvation
Why do you, a non-Catholic, judge the author as untrue?

I do not. I judge the Scriptures as inspired and authoritative words of God.

50 posted on 11/27/2017 10:24:54 AM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: Slyfox

Yet it is NOT Christian either to attack a good priest’s article which is BTW full of reference to scriptures.

Being a Christian does not mean being doormat.


51 posted on 11/27/2017 10:24:56 AM PST by Biggirl ("One Lord, one faith, one baptism" - Ephesians 4:5W)
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To: Slyfox
What makes you think I don't read Scripture.

I did not say you do not. I told you to do so.

You are a very judgmental person, especially when you are lacking facts.

Freudian projection. Provide actual facts, instead of assertions and judgements. We will examine them to see if they are true.

52 posted on 11/27/2017 10:26:11 AM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: Biggirl
Attacking where there is no reason to attack.

I'm leaving comments on an open thread. You are categorizing it as an attack. That is on you bro.

53 posted on 11/27/2017 10:26:54 AM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: Biggirl
Another anti-Catholic attack.

Liberal response sadly - instead of providing discussion with facts, evidence and logic. I get it.

54 posted on 11/27/2017 10:27:44 AM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: aMorePerfectUnion
Provide actual facts, instead of assertions and judgements.

Ha ha ha!! Here, you've been given references to actual Scripture scholarship but you won't even acknowledge it. You admit you didn't read it because "Scripture is the only authority." Yet, the author is using Scripture to explain for you... and you don't read it because you only read Scripture. On what basis should anyone explain anything at all to you? You've made up your own mind and will accept no other input.

55 posted on 11/27/2017 10:30:12 AM PST by pgyanke (Republicans get in trouble when not living up to their principles. Democrats... when they do.)
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To: aMorePerfectUnion

God’s word which is also given to the Christian faith and to the belivers.


56 posted on 11/27/2017 10:35:14 AM PST by Biggirl ("One Lord, one faith, one baptism" - Ephesians 4:5W)
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To: Salvation

Thanks for these, Salvation!

It’s really helpful to have solid Catholic teaching in one easy spot. I really appreciate your efforts!


57 posted on 11/27/2017 10:50:04 AM PST by Mudflaps
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To: pgyanke
Here, you've been given references to actual Scripture scholarship

No. It was recommended I read a book.

Yet, the author is using Scripture to explain for you...

I know the Scriptures. They do not teach what Ol' Arch-Pope claims. Many people use the Scriptures to explain heresy.

On what basis should anyone explain anything at all to you?

Use the Scriptures.

58 posted on 11/27/2017 10:55:08 AM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: Biggirl
God’s word which is also given to the Christian faith and to the belivers.

Then please use God's Word to support your claims. If not, you are making just an assertion.

59 posted on 11/27/2017 10:55:49 AM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: Biggirl
Yet it is NOT Christian either to attack a good priest’s article which is BTW full of reference to scriptures.

Where there is heresy and false teaching, believers are commanded to correct it, pointing out errors. It is by its nature, an unpleasant task, but we are commanded to do it.

Being a Christian does not mean being doormat.

Hey, we agree!

60 posted on 11/27/2017 11:06:06 AM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
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