The Highest Form of Worship

Mass

With so many prayers to say and devotions to follow, how does one make time for them all?  My shelf and desk are full of beautiful saintly, pious, devotional books.  I have read many of them, but sometimes the overwhelming duty to pray overtakes me.

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy says that the liturgy is the highest form of worship.  It is the summit of what all Church activity should strive for.  From the liturgy, especially the Eucharist, a font of grace is poured out upon us.

However in order to partake fully in the Liturgy proper preparation is needed.  This preparation is prayer.  Our minds need to be in tune with our voices and our souls must cooperate with Divine graces.

The Constitution emphasizes the role of pastors have in preparing their flock for the Liturgy so they may have full, active, and conscious participation in the Liturgy. But his preparation can start at home.

Important Phrase: full, active, and conscious participation.

It is what we do before, doing, and after the liturgy.  We have done a good job on the celebration of the liturgy, but we have not done a good job on catechist for before and after it.

Two Levels of Worship

The Church says that the highest form of worship is the Liturgy, but it also states there must be two other levels of worship.

1. First – Private Prayer
2. Second – Popular Devotion

Ok, if the Liturgy is the highest form of worship, but what are the effects.

The 3 Effects of Liturgy

1. We become one in holiness
2. We hold fast in our lives to what we celebrated in Faith.  We now live out the mysteries that we celebrate.
3. Set on Fire with compelling charity

Catholic Church

These effects are incredible.  What Catholic parish doesn’t want holy people, living the faith, and set on fire with charity.

This is why it is essential to properly prepare for the liturgy and place special importance in our prayer life in preparation.

Learn about the Mass, read Scripture, reflect on what is going on, and pray for receiving our Lord in Holy Eucharist.

Next time I can’t decide on what book to read, I’ll just remember to prioritize on the Liturgy and have everything revolve around that.

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