The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium, SC) points to the importance of symbols and symbolic language in our Liturgy, in our worship. For many of us in the western world, we tend to be more at home with logical, linear thinking than with poetic and evocative--artists and poets are very much the exceptions. Full, active and conscious participation requires the ability to read symbols and symbolic language. This then, is another area that is part of our renewed liturgical formation.

   A first step in reading symbols requires our being attentive to our surroundings and wondering why things are the way they are--so for example a “gospel procession.” In a simple one, the priest or deacon carries the Book of the Gospels aloft, over his head. Certainly, raising the book high up makes the book visible for all to see. A deeper meaning though, is intended. By processing with the book this way, the message is we all stand under the word of God. That is, the word of God is the ultimate guide for all of our lives and we are all subject to it.

    Did you ever think about why, when we bless ourselves, we first touch our forehead, then the center of our body, left shoulder, right shoulder and then bring our palms together? Maybe this little anecdote might shed some light.

    “A group of six-year-olds were learning how to bless themselves. The catechist, wanting them to be attentive to deeper meanings for the gesture, asked if it would make any difference if when they said the words—"in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” they made a circle instead of a cross. The children laughed at the suggestion. They knew intuitively that the cross was important. Eventually they would come to associate making the sign of the cross on our bodies with our belief that we have been claimed and saved by the cross of Jesus Christ. Another belief they might eventually come to is that in making this sign on our bodies, we are brought into the life of our triune God: Father, Son and Spirit.

    In the Liturgy of the Word, we make sign of the cross on our forehead, lips, and over our hearts when the Gospel is announced. What is its meaning? In this, or similar words, we are saying, “may the “good news” of Jesus Christ be ever on my mind, on my lips and in my heart.”

    We will return to the topic of “Reading Symbols” from time to time. Next week, however, the “Liturgy Corner” will be devoted to Ash Wednesday and Lent.