Patterned By Grace

The word liturgy is packed with power. For some, it evokes the frandeur and mystery of the church’s rich tradition. For others it evokes a rigid and confusing from of obsolete practice. Dan Benedict provides us with a deeper and more satisfying way to understand liturgy and to discuss issues related to worship. In his understanding, readers come to see liturgy as God’s means of uniting with the heart, mind, and work of Christ. Liturgy, Benedict says, carries us into the presence of the holy in the same way that those friends in the Gospel story carried their paralyzed friend in the presence of Christ. When our spiritual life is dry and we have difficulty experiencing that presence, liturgy holds that meaning for us until we are ready to return. Liturgy connects us with the communion of the saints and allows us to worship with other believers across time and place. Over time, given faithful participation, the liurgy works to shape our perceptions and create more space for God’s grace to find expression.