The didactic and pastoral nature of the liturgy

Abstract

Although in recent years there has been great progress in the liturgical life of the Church, there are still many who refer to the liturgy as if it were something which does not concern them, or that it concerns only the hierarchy of the Church. It is true that the hierarchy regulates the liturgy, as by its nature the liturgy must be the official prayer of the whole Church; but precisely because it is the official prayer of the whole Church, it must not only interest every christian, but, every christian should make the liturgy his own prayer, so that with one voice and one accord they will give praise and glory to God. As the official prayer of the Church, the liturgy is first of all a prayer, and its characteristics, especially its pastoral and didactic character, must be the consequence of prayer. In fact every extra liturgical activity of the Church, whether pastoral or catechetical, should lead to the liturgy, and especially to the Eucharist, sacrifice and sacrament. By its pastoral nature, the liturgy brings together the faithful of all categories and walks of life to give praise to God in every phase and circumstance of their lives