The Importance of a Correct Definition of Liturgy for Divine Worship

Abstract

In this article I argue that a proper understanding of liturgy is found in Sacrosanctum Concilium and its precedents, and explain why this definition is important for a proper understanding of true worship of the Blessed Trinity. I discuss the secular Greek origins of the word "liturgy" and show how the ancient definition of liturgy undergirds the Second Vatican Council's definition, based as it is on previous magisterial pronouncements about the liturgy. I further show how the contemporary definition of liturgy as "the work of the people" leads to difficulties in the proper worship of God. Further, the classical understanding of liturgy goes far to underline that the conciliar reform of the Mass is not at variance with the liturgical tradition.