Still burning
Does fire still burn in us? Some of us have spent a lifetime in service
to God’s people, striving for honesty, inclusivity, and worship experiences
that are real, only to be cast aside for our lack of “authenticity.” We
who are not ordained have helped form children, catechized them, walked
with them through their sacramental journey, given them our very best.
It is not a little shocking to see them a few short years later, cassock-clad,
with a semester of liturgy under their cinctures, and expecting silent
obedience from us. Our seasoned, collaborative, and wise ordained brothers
watch in amazement as these young men claim a culture they never knew,
one that in fact really never existed except on the big screen. Now we
have the additional challenge of two rituals for the same Eucharist — one
celebrating the gifts of all, the other turning its back on the very existence
of those gifts. Is there anything left to burn with passion about, or is
it perhaps time for that flame to flicker and die out? My own answer to
that would be, “Not on my watch.” I simply can’t help it: the flame that
burns in me is far stronger than the forces that threaten to extinguish
it, and I know that I am not alone. My own ministry has taken many different
directions and identities, but it has always been about sustaining worship
experiences and walking with people whose desire is to know God more deeply.
It is a passion that recognizes itself in others who share it. So we can
be knocked down, belittled, even despised and rejected, but it is the true
flame of the Holy Spirit that continues to burn in us. It is expressed
through and in us.
In this issue of ML we focus on understanding the ways that we sustain
hope and prayer. The ways in which our liturgies progress over time inform
us about how our corporate faith life is sustained. Michael Kwatera
explores
with us a “certain place” in our evolving worship as he considers the impact
and challenge that having two theologies of the celebration of Eucharist
places before us. Patrick Regan accepted an invitation to share
with us his research into the issues of communion reservation on Holy Thursday
and sharing in communion on Good Friday. This intriguing journey into the
history of the customs and practices of these two liturgies sheds light
on how these liturgies are celebrated today. The season of Lent itself
is a season of hope as well as a season of self-denial, and we present
some recommendations for resources to shape this coming Lent into an extraordinary
experience.
Also in this issue, we bid farewell to Mary Testin’s The Rite
Stuff column, as she retires it after seven years. Mary’s column has been
provocative, honest, and always taken from the very trenches of parish
life. We thank her for her fine work and pray for every blessing in her
future ministry. This is also the last issue for “Ledger Lines” and “Ritually
Speaking” as the Liturgy Formation section will take on a new look next
year. Ada Simpson will continue to share with us her unique perspective
on community worship with a new column, “Moving Rite Along.”
With this issue, we conclude our reflection on the Exsultet, the church’s
great song on that night of nights. There is much power and imagery packed
into that one prayer, enough to inspire every other liturgy of the year.
When we find ourselves stumbling in darkness, when our flames seem to dim,
we have only to look to the Vigil, where new fire leads to rebirth and
new life in the fire of the Spirit. Divided but undimmed, that flame burns
in us and among us, and it will still burn on that last day.
May the Morning Star which never sets find this flame still
burning:
Christ, that Morning Star, who came back from the dead,
and shed his peaceful light on all mankind,
your Son who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Amen. ML
