[drstevej]

I believe your comments about sensing the presence of God and experiencing a sense of awe is the element missing from much that is labeled worship in both RC and Protestant churches.

God is the audience for our worship. We come into His presence to acknowledge with awe [Spirit] who He is and what He has done [Truth]. He sees our hearts infallibly and where He sees both Spirit and Truth, He is delighted.

Ultimately, the question is NOT, "What did we get out of the time of worship?" it is instead, "Did the time of worship please Him?" This should be the yardstick by which we evaluate our times of gathered worship.

[NYer]

I believe your comments about sensing the presence of God and experiencing a sense of awe is the element missing from much that is labeled worship in both RC and Protestant churches

The Lowering into the Tomb of Our Lod

The Abbaye de Solesmes, in France, is a contemplative order of Benedictine monks. It dates from the 11th century.

In the Southern Transept is this magnificently carved piece. What stands out, however, is a statue of Mary Magdalene.

This is the most famous statue of Solesmes. Though she has been represented often in art, this portait is unique in its expression and posture. Sitting near the tomb, her elbows on her knees, her hands in prayer, she is the only one in the scene who is not looking at Christ physically, rather, eyes closed, she meditates in her heart the mystery of His death. She is also the only one whose face remains serene at this dramatic moment, and she shows no signs of sadness or disquiet. She is clearly a symbol of intense contemplative prayer and as such is something of an emblem of the monastic life.

Contemplative prayer ... something we should all practice.

[k omalley]

True, our times of worship should be pleasing to God but there is another important element as well. If I'm not mistaken, the Eastern Orthodox consider the liturgy to be the heavenly and the eternal breaking into our time and space. If there are any EO's reading this please tell me if I'm wrong. Divine Liturgy is a foretaste of heaven as is I believe, the Catholic Mass. Unfortunately, we Catholics have inserted too much worldliness into our worship- frenetic activity, applause, chatter, immodest and sloppy dress. The sacred aspect all but disappears.