The Beauty of Catholic Liturgy

Numbers 1071-1075 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) treat sacred liturgy as source of life, as well as its relationship with prayer and catechesis. The liturgy is the source of life first of all because it is the “work of Christ” (CCC, 1071). In the second place, because “it is also an action of his Church” (Ibid.). But, which is the preeminent of these two aspects? Moreover, what does the word “life” mean in this context?  

What is Liturgy?

The word "liturgy" literally means work of the people.  Within the Catholic Church, it is used to describe all the public acts of worship that take place, as it draws the people into the work of God.  Liturgy is in many ways the public face of the Church, and it is through the liturgy where people engage with their faith and deepen their relationship with God.

"Liturgy is not an event that depends on good ideas and great songs. No one makes up or invents a liturgy. It is something that grew over millennia of faith"  from YOUCAT (para. 167).

Liturgy is the divine worship of the Church and includes the celebration of Mass, the celebration of the Sacraments, and the Divine Office or Daily Prayer of the Church.  The celebration of the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, and so all other liturgies flow from and to the celebration of Mass.

Liturgy is not just the words that are said, but it is much much more!  Through the liturgy, we encounter God and are united with our brothers and sisters across the world as the Universal Church, which Christ established when He ascended into Heaven.