I finally took down my Christmas tree tonight! It hasn't been lit since last Sunday but it's been sitting in my window, reminding me that Lent is around the corner.
It was an extraordinary simple joy, this evening, to celebrate a Sunday in Ordinary Time: no special music; no special environment; no special candles to light or vestments to wear; no seasonal "burden" on the preaching. Just green time and after the liturgically heightened seasons just past, it's a welcome, if brief, breather.
Looking back on Advent and Christmas it strikes me that if liturgical ministers take the seasons seriously they then carry the weight of those seasons in word, song, rite and prayer. There are added preparations, rehearsals, schedules, instructions and, most important of all, an added awareness of the season without which those who serve in liturgical ministries will fail in helping the assembly to offer the fitting worship and praise the season seeks to draw from us.
As the year cycles 'round, each parish faces the option of being a venue of rich seasonal fare, fit for a King and his people - or a Burger King with Whopper boxes seasonally stamped with elves and snowflakes.
Although most parishioners recognize and are grateful for "how nice the church looks" and "how wonderful the choir sounded," few will know how much time and effort went into the prayer that rose up from their midst, ministered by those who love the liturgy.
To the many in my parish -and in yours- who gave of themselves for Advent and Christmas and who will soon do the same for Lent and Easter: be faithful in the work you do for through it the Lord saves his people!
I was at Saturday afternoon's Mass and really liked the simplicity of the ordinary time. You didn't even have one of the deacons assisting at the altar. Thought your homily was terrific. I do want to express my thanks to all who made our Advent/Christmas season so very beautiful in every way. We are blessed to have so many people offer their gifts for the benefit of all of us.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to note that the absence of a deacon was due to the fact that all three of them happened to be away this weekend.
ReplyDeleteWe didn't stow away the deacons with the Advent Wreath! :-)