Liturgy is important to every church-going Christian. Each faith tradition has a way of doing things that is comfortable for its followers. What happens during the weekend celebrations is the most powerful draw for bringing people into a particular way of living Christian worship.
Vatican II reminded us that Christ is always present in His Church, especially in her liturgical celebrations. That is why they began their modernization of the Church with a focus on liturgy. That was a brilliant starting point since what people experience in liturgy is the starting point to move from curiosity to serious disciples. Christ is present in the Sacrifice of the Mass made visible through His minister. Christ connects through His word and speaks when the Holy Scriptures are read. Our Catholic liturgy gives us an orderly (think “ordinary time”) and complete way to experience Christ. We don’t just hear select bits and pieces; we hear the substance of Scripture over three liturgical years. Christ is present when the Church prays and sings. How we do that builds or detracts from bringing a searcher to Christ. The order, substance and the “how” make up liturgy.
Much of this series was intended to reduce tension and division that sometimes surround liturgy. That does not mean deemphasizing liturgy. While Jesus often criticized the Pharisees for over-attention to ritual, he honored the Jewish rituals of his community. Jesus taught regard for the commandments and Jewish law. He taught us specific ways to pray. He gave us the ultimate “do this” at the Last Supper. Within a couple decades, St. Paul encouraged unity bound by the fundamentals of faith. “I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.” That means, treasure liturgy, but remember that it is a tool of faith, not a show or organism on its own. Be a disciple, not a pharisee.

This 22-article series can advance understanding of why we do what we do in liturgy. The articles aim to eliminate gaps that sometimes develop between the faithful over some of our ways of liturgy. Do we kneel or stand during communion? What do we do during the Lord’s Prayer?