Laymen may also recite the Divine Office, and it is a praiseworthy thing that is encouraged by the Church ( SC, 100). Because of their role as ministers deputed by the Church, when priests and religious say the Divine Office it is a liturgical prayer. Indeed, they are appointed by the Church as ministers of the Divine Office, the prayer of worship to God. Priests and religious are obliged to recite the Divine Office. Finally, Compline or Night Prayer is said at night. Vespers or Evening Prayer is said in the evening. Terce, Sext, and None, also known as Mid-Morning Prayer, Midday Prayer, and Mid-Afternoon Prayer, are said at these respective times. Lauds or Morning Prayer is said in the morning. The current form of the Liturgy of the Hours consists of the following hours: Matins, or the Office of Readings, can be said at any time of day. While we cannot remain in public prayer continuously, the Divine Office fulfills Our Lord’s exhortation to pray always by dedicating hours throughout the whole course of the day to prayer. The Liturgy of the Hours, or the Divine Office, is “the public prayer of the Church,” (Pope Paul VI, Sacrosanctum Concilium, 98) consisting of a series of daily prayers taking place at certain times of the day. Salmon, "Divine Office, Roman," New Catholic Encyclopedia, IV). We all know that this is how we participate in offering the Mass, but we can also participate in Christ’s worship of the Father through the Liturgy of the Hours (P. Thus, we are able to partake in Christ’s priestly activity of offering worship to the Father. By virtue of our baptism into Christ’s Body, we share in His priesthood. Since we are corporeal beings, this heavenly reality is made knowable to us by means of the sensible quality of the Church’s liturgy. Christ, the High Priest of the New Covenant, offers worship to His Father and accomplishes our salvation through His Body, the Church, and her liturgy.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |