The hosts explore who celebrates the Mass and who participates in the Church's Liturgy, discussing the interconnectedness and complexity of liturgical communities. They delve into the concept of recapitulation and Christ's headship over the church and creation. Exploring hierarchy in the church, they emphasize that everyone has a role to play. They discuss the act of being renewed through Mass and the importance of active involvement. They also address the process of spiritual growth and the appropriateness of displaying non-liturgical items in the sanctuary.
The Mass is a global celebration involving the priest, people, angels, saints, and even cosmic elements.
The liturgy extends beyond the earthly realm, encompassing angels, saints, and inanimate elements, all giving praise to God.
Deep dives
Who Celebrates the Mass
The podcast episode explores the question of who celebrates the Mass. It delves into the different entities involved in the celebration, including the priest, the people, the angels and saints in heaven, and even the cosmic elements. The episode highlights the interconnectedness and complexity of the liturgical communities, emphasizing that there is only one Mass being celebrated globally. It also discusses how participating in the Mass allows individuals to plug into the eternal liturgy that is continually happening. The episode further explores the concept of heaven as a perpetual celebration of Mass and the idea that humans are by nature worshippers, meant to participate in the liturgy. Overall, it presents the Mass as an ordered and divine work that involves the active involvement of all participants.
The Cosmic and Heavenly Dimension of the Liturgy
This part of the podcast episode delves into the cosmic and heavenly dimensions of the liturgy. It discusses how the liturgy goes beyond the earthly realm, encompassing the angels and saints in heaven who are always praising and worshipping God. It acknowledges the countless numbers of angels and saints participating in the liturgy. Moreover, it highlights the praise and worship of the Holy Trinity as an integral part of the liturgy. The episode expands on the cosmic aspect of the liturgy, indicating that even the inanimate elements of creation, such as stars and trees, are giving praise to God by fulfilling their appointed roles. By expressing the diversity and vastness of the liturgical communities, the episode presents a comprehensive view of the celebration.
The Relationship Between Liturgy and Heaven
This segment of the podcast episode explores the connection between the liturgy and the concept of heaven. It references the idea that heaven is described as an eternal worship of God. The hosts share anecdotes and insights from theologians and personal experiences to illustrate this point. They emphasize that heaven is not a boring or mundane place, but an endlessly fascinating and intimate experience of growing closer to God. The episode presents the liturgy as a foretaste and preparation for the eternal liturgy in heaven. It highlights the transformative power of the liturgy in shaping individuals and preparing them for the heavenly reality.
Active Participation and Offering One's Sacrifice
The final part of the podcast episode discusses the importance of active participation and offering one's sacrifice during the liturgy. It emphasizes that the liturgy is not a spectator sport but a participatory act that requires everyone's active involvement. The hosts encourage listeners to bring their prayers, works, joys, and sufferings and offer them to God during the liturgy. They emphasize the role of the priest in acting in the person of Christ and leading the congregation in offering their sacrifices. Through this active participation, the episode highlights the liturgy as a transformative and sanctifying experience, bringing individuals closer to God and conforming them to heavenly worship.
