Liturgica 2: Gathering for Worship – the opening Gambit
APPARENTLY, shoes are the decisive factor in forming a first impression from whence any relationship progresses for good or ill. Polished or muddy, thoughtfully chosen or casually adopted, stylistically appropriate or visually disastrous, shoes define what follows on from the opening encounter. So too with liturgy. There is much to be attended to in introduc- tions. words, gestures, symbols and movement are important and frame what is to follow. Yet in many experiences of worship these opening moments lack intentionality, preparation or thought. Bonho- mie, cold formality or an awkward use of gesture, posture and move- ment can indicate a lack of understanding as to the task in hand. The presider is caught between the perceived formality of liturgical lan- guage and a need to be cheery and engaging. Not infrequently, an opening exchange from the chancel steps welcomes visitors, clarifies page numbers and proclaims that parish magazines are available at the back. But such is often a prelude to a retreat to altar or prayer desk where the atmosphere dramatically shifts. And so a stiffly-offered ‘The Lord be with you’ suggests the beginning of a fifty-minute ordeal to be got through rather than a joyous celebration of expectation, focus and joy. The task could hardly be more challenging. Each member of the gathered assembly comes with concerns ranging from school fees to the fact that the cat was worryingly sick the previous evening. whilst the uniqueness of each worshipper is to be cherished, the presider is called at the beginning of worship to establish the Body as a gathered community rather than a disparate collection of individuals and individualisms. And then there is the job of defining why this Sunday is different from the one before, namely, the engendering of expectation as to what the scriptures of this particular day might unfold. The presider is to establish a crucial relationship with the gathered assembly and thereby enable the members of the congregation to relate dynamically, warmly and expectantly each to the other. To this end opening words, gestures, symbols and movement need careful attention. Like shoes, they define what follows.
* Full article available in printed copies.
Tom Gordon
is Dean of Leighlin and director of Adult Education and Continuing Ministry Education for the diocese of Cashel and Ossory.