Liturgical Action

Extract

Occasionally, but without sufficient insistence, attention has been drawn to the danger of the present wave of enthusiasm for action among Catholic layfolk. It easily loses its efficacy in a hectic type of activism typical of this century. If we are to direct this precious seed within the boundaries of the good soil and to prevent its falling on the rock where its first vigorous shoot comes to a premature and fruitless end, we must keep constantly before our eyes the ultimate purpose of it all. We must purify our intention and seek first the contemplation of God. Consequently we should look for a type of action, within the reach of every member of the Church, which will tend constantly and directly Godwards, an action unperturbed by the turmoil of all the pressing modern human problems. In this way the urge to do something can be given a twist towards God and contemplation, so that all the other forms of activity may spring from a single and solid base, like the varied but permanent vitality of a Gothic cathedral on its foundation of rock. Such a type of action is to be found, of course, in the active share in the liturgy and particularly in the Mass. In the liturgy all action is intended to lead directly to the worship of God. as contrasted with social action which deals directly with charity and justice towards our neighbour.