Inside ML

Sometimes we get so caught up in the rubrics that govern our communal worship that the intent of our prayer gets lost. At times this is intentional; other times, we find refuge from awkward emotions in familiar rites and in the ritual dialogue that is so ingrained as to be automatic. Ritual has a purpose, but its purpose should never be an escape from reality. 

When I give workshops on spirituality, I like to give this example: If I were to stand up on an airplane full of sleepy passengers and declare loudly, “The Lord be with you!” every groggy Catholic on that flight would stir from sleep, respond “And also with you!” (not, by the way, “And with your spirit”). I’d probably be led off in handcuffs, but the point is that reflex is not the prayerful dialogue that speaks to ritual need. In this issue of ML, we are enlightened by very different approaches to ritual needs. In “Grieving for Molleigh,” Martha McIntosh describes in poignant detail ways of tending to the unique needs of a family mourning the loss of a stillborn child. Despite the power of liturgy, we as church have little to offer around the time of death of such a tiny child. Perhaps it’s time to stop preaching about the unborn and start ministering to those who live the reality of dealing with early-life issues. 

From a different perspective, Ronald Raab writes about taking liturgy into the streets where violence seems to rule. Ritual celebrations within the safe walls of the church pale in comparison to the impact of literally taking the Gospel to the scene of the crime. His step-by-step description of how he engaged the neighborhood community in praying rather than slaying is a powerful testimony to what can be accomplished with courage and a willingness to read beyond the rubrics. 

As we do the hard work of living the Gospel command, we need the inspiration of the artists among us. Sandra Schweitzer prepares the worship environment by considering not only the season but the means by which ritual and environment form an integrated entity. Surrounding all of these efforts with prismatic beauty are the winners of our Visual Arts Awards in the Art Glass category. 

With this as inspiration, we continue to have reason to hope, despite a world in conflict and a church in turmoil. “Take care, then, that the light in you not become darkness. If your whole body is full of light, and no part of it is in darkness, then it will be as full of light as a lamp illuminating you with its brightness” (Lk 11:35–36). May we be that body full of light. ML

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