Bite-sized bits from The Spirit of the Liturgy, delivered once a weekfor your consideration.  Remember – this is the book that then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger named his Spirit of the Liturgy after.  Hmmmm.

"This [referring to previous emphasis on the role of thought] is not, of course, an attempt to deny that the heart and the emotions play an important art in the life of prayer.  Prayer is, without a doubt, 'a raising of the heart to God.' But the heart must be guided, supported, and purified by the mind." (From Chapter 1, "The Prayer of the Liturgy," emphasis added)

From The Spirit of the Liturgy:

"The liturgy, the lex orandi, is, according to the old proverb, the law of faith – the lex credendi – as well.  It is the treasure-house of the thought of Revelation." (From Chapter 1, "The Prayer of the Liturgy")

From Romano Guardini's The Spirit of the Liturgy:

"The prayers of the liturgy are entirely governed by and interwoven with dogma.  Those who are unfamiliar with liturgical prayer often regard them as theological formulae, artistic and didactic, until on closer acquaintance they suddenly perceive and admit that the clear-cut, lucidly constructed phrases are full of interior enlightenment."  (From Chapter 1, "The Prayer of the Liturgy.")

Admittedly, this was more the case with the pre-Vatican II liturgy.  However, a trip to "What Does the Prayer Really Say" will help the thoughtful overcome the vicissitudes of translation and truncation.

I believe this is one of the spiritual works of mercy.  And Heaven knows, spiritual ignorance seems to be abounding some days.

I made the mistake of reading a bulletin insert this morning.  (Yes, I know I have only myself to blame for that.)  The featurette was "What do you get out of Mass?"  The answers included the multiplier effect of praying in a group – "Jesus gives special attention to prayers that are shared."  Similar to early boarding for frequent fliers?

More importantly (it seemed to the writer): "A fresh start each week.  Before Mass, think about something in your life you'd like to change.  Then look for an idea in the Mass that will help – and there will always be at least one…." Yes, the Mass exists for my self-improvement.  That little "me time" we all need.

The wrap-up was "Take your rightful place with Jesus. As a baptized Catholic, you have the right and power to be part of the Body of Christ."  Yes, that's true; but, here again – it's all about me. 

Worship?  Adoration?  Thanksgiving?  Sacrifice?  If you know someone who needs help with these concepts, especially at Mass, get them one of  Michael Dubruiel's excellent books on the Mass. The How-To Book of the Mass or How To Get the Most Out of the Eucharist  will help folks who are there on Sundays without a clue as to what's going on. Just give it to them for Lenten reading or leave it on their coffee table when they're in the kitchen.  You will have performed a spiritual work of mercy.  And if you buy before the end of February, Michael's share of the proceeds will go into his children's college fund.  A great way to remember a man who was devoted to the real meaning and importance of our greatest treasure – the Mass.

This week's installment from The Spirit of the Liturgy by Romano Guardini is very short but worthy of extended contemplation. So I'll let it stand alone.   

"The first and most important lesson which the liturgy has to teach is that the prayer of a corporate body must be sustained by thought."  (From Chapter 1, "The Prayer of the Liturgy)