02 October 2005

Wordiness in the liturgy

Over the decades it has struck me that there is a tendency in many protestant churches to try to turn as much of the liturgy as possible into a sermon. I've noticed this especially in the Christian Reformed Church, where many pastors simply talk too much, ostensibly on the pretext of guiding congregants through a liturgy with which they are surely already familiar. If Alvin Kimel's remarks are any indication, then it seems that Catholic priests are not exempt from this tendency. I reproduce below his advice, which, with the proper adjustments in vocabulary, might well be heeded by Reformed "priests" as well.

Stick to the script! I doubt that you have the authority to ad lib at the liturgy. . . but few priests have the gift to do it well anyway. Say the words that are given to you, exactly as they are given to you. Don’t add, don’t subtract. Please don’t start the liturgy by saying “Good morning.” Please don’t tell us in your own words why we have gathered together for Mass. Just start the Mass and get on with it. The liturgy has its own logic, its own rhythm and cadence. It is one musical composition in the Spirit. Every time you depart from the rite, you disrupt the flow of the liturgy and simply draw attention to yourself and away from the Lord. Preach away at the sermon, with as much enthusiasm and energy you can muster. That is your time. But for the rest of the liturgy, slip back into the role and hide behind your chasuble. The liturgy will carry itself, especially if it is conducted reverently, graciously, prayerfully, beautifully.

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