My friend and colleague Bosco Peters has penned An Open Letter to the ACC, soon to meet in his own New Zealand. He appeals to them to recall that liturgy and worship ought really to be expounded as one of the “marks of mission” — not just a past-time or option, nor even as the power-source for the “real” work of the church, but as an intrinsic and central part of that work.
I find it helpful to point out two things: first, that Saint Benedict called the Daily Office “the Work of God”; and second, that the Episcopal Church's catechism (page 855 of our BCP), in response to the question, “How does the Church pursue it mission?” states:
“The Church pursues its mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love.”
Note that the first two and at least part of the third have very much to do with what goes on in liturgy, the implication being that this is the starting point!
Tobias Stanislas Haller BSG
and please sign Bosco's petition
Thanks, Tobias. Also (as one who tries to live Benedict's Rule beyond cloister walls) to the reference to that insight.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Bosco+
Signed it!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, both of you, for this. I completely agree that worship/liturgy is "the starting point" and would be much, much happier and more supportive if the 5 Marks of Mission said so explicitly.
ReplyDeleteGood going!
Thanks, all. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, and let the word go forth to all lands!
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