HERITAGE OF CELEBRATION

Think of music—perhaps a theme and variations as in Bach or jazz. This is how some composers use an ancient style to create something new and personal. This sort of thinking will suggest the purpose of the liturgy that follows the Entrance.

From Acclamation to Collect of the Day we are preparing for both the Bible study and the holy meal that follow. The words and actions of this section of the liturgy are a heritage of celebration. They come from the Greek and Latin culture, from the Middle Ages, from the Reformation—all seasoned by our contemporary understanding.
Blessing Christ by Giovanni Bellini, c. 1460, Musee de Louvre, Paris
"Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart and with all they soul and with all they mind. This is the first and great commandment, and the second is like unto it—thou shalt love they neighbor as theyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
Listen to two of the liturgical events in this part of the liturgy: (Click on the titles)

The Kyrie—Byzantine court ceremony. Only remaining remnant of the Greek language in our liturgy. The Kyrie, though it says, "Lord have mercy" is historically really a joyful acclamation.

The Gloria—The Western church's equivalent of the Kyrie. It celebrates what we have affirmed
Next: Teaching the Bible