The Gospel of Matthew and the Value of the Liturgical Year
The preparation of a worship service is both an art and a science. Moments of inspiration and unexpected intuitions are graces that guide the preacher and liturgist in designing worship that is transformative. The preacher dependent exclusively on artistic impulses, however, can bog down in narrow h...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Interlibrary Loan: | Interlibrary Loan for the Fachinformationsdienste (Specialized Information Services in Germany) |
| Published: |
2007
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| In: |
Review and expositor
Year: 2007, Volume: 104, Issue: 2, Pages: 213-242 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Parallel Edition: | Non-electronic
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| Summary: | The preparation of a worship service is both an art and a science. Moments of inspiration and unexpected intuitions are graces that guide the preacher and liturgist in designing worship that is transformative. The preacher dependent exclusively on artistic impulses, however, can bog down in narrow homiletical ruts or be faced with Saturday night dead ends, not knowing which way to go. Following the liturgical year, with its annual rhythms and carefully selected texts, brings a welcomed and disciplined approach to worship planning. Some worship leaders are not familiar with the liturgical calendar. This lead article begins with a detailed examination of the origin and development of the liturgical calendar. Its roots are anchored in the worship of ancient Israel and the early church. The first Christians' weekly celebration of Easter on the “Lord's day” marks the first stage in the development of the liturgical year. From there, more signature events in the church's story of Jesus began to be incorporated into their annual remembrance. The tradition eventually grew to encompass the whole of Christ's life. Connected to these celebrations were specific biblical texts that stimulated and shaped the community's memory. This single cycle of lectionary texts recently expanded to a three year cycle, built upon each of the three synoptic Gospels. Attentiveness to the liturgical year promotes mature religious education, sustained theological dialogue, and disciplined study of the biblical story. The science and art of worship planning come together in a meaningful synergism through the use of the liturgical calendar. |
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| ISSN: | 2052-9449 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Review and expositor
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1177/003463730710400204 |