The Congregation
The
principal actor of the whole liturgical celebration is Christ
himself. He "is always present in his church, especially
in her liturgical celebrations." It is he, the first
one who prays in the praying community. It is he, the unique
Word of God to men. It is he, the unique sacrifice "offered
one time for all" (Heb.9:28) for the reconciliation
of all mankind. It is he, finally, the unique Thanksgiving,
for he is in himself "Eucharist," that is to say,
praise and glory for his Father.
Near
him, like a wife next to her husband, clings the Church:
Christ
indeed always associates the Church with Himself in the
truly great work of giving perfect praise to God and making
men Holy. The Church is His dearly beloved Bride who calls
to her Lord, and through Him offers worship to the Eternal
Father.
Her
essential perticipation is neither in the songs nor in rites
but in her heart. That which counts more than all the melody
in the workd is the gold of her faith, the flame of her
love. The best celebration is not the one where we say:
"How well se sand!" but the one where we are engaged
in loving better our brother in order to love better our
God. God Judges Men by their hearts, not by their melodies.
Thes
liturgy of the heart, this celebration of Faith and of love,
expresses itself by communal prayers, by listening to the
Word of God, by songs, by attitudes, and by movements. We
shall speak here about songs, attitudes, and movements.
