Rites and Symbols in the Liturgy

Rites involve the whole assembly in

celebrating The saving work of God (mysterion)

is contemplated The various rites illustrate the

mysterion. The rites make up the specific

language of liturgical celebration

Rites within the Liturgical Celebration

Rite are symbolic actions of words

and gestures Pre-formed structure Institutionalized by a tradition Favors common participation and

repetition.

Liturgical Elements

Signs indicate something beyond itself

smoke→fire green light→go

Symbols tell you something, but also bring you into the dynamic (flags etc.)

Signs and Symbols

Liturgical symbols have action associated. i.e.,

water isn’t fully a symbol for baptism unless it is being used.

Sacraments are symbolic actions that evoke an idea of something

AND truly cause a reality to occur.

Signs and Symbols

In relationship with Bible and ecclesial

tradition Transparency of signs can be reduced by

minimalism. Gestures and postures important Liturgical creativity: SC 37-40—not

improvisation.

Liturgical symbolism

Symbolon: an object torn in two, neither part has value until the 2 are put together.

The symbolic value only comes from the rel’ship with the other part.

Symbol re-establishes unity. So, we see that for man who has a spirit/body

unity, he has to spiritualize the corporal and vv.

Symbol

A Symbol allows us to reunite in ourselves

associated, but separated, realities. Symbols allow members of a group to identify

themselves. In the same way, the Church identifies herself through symbols, beginning with the formulas of the faith (creeds) which are also called a “symbol of the faith”.

Symbol

To permit us to communicate about something that is too profound to speak about in any other way. We have to be willing to open ourselves to a transcendent reality for this.

Man is not only an individual being, but he is a social and symbolic being who, because of his corporality and his social nature, expresses himself with words and gestures and these realities are also operative in the ecclesial community.

Function of the Symbol

In relationship with Bible and ecclesial

tradition— crucial statement Transparency of signs can be reduced by

minimalism. Gestures and postures important Liturgical creativity: SC 37-40—not

improvisation.

Liturgical symbolism

Assembly and Celebrant Authenticity is needed

Rite Signs/symbols/gestures/ and words (of the Church) Liturgy of the Word (Word of God) “Sacraments not only suppose faith, but with words

and ritual elements nourish it, enrich it and express it”. (SC 59)

Sacraments proclaim faith

Liturgical Celebration: Constants

Sign Symbol MATTER Gestures Words FORM

All together with the People of God, form/result in ritual

Liturgical Elements