THE POSITIVE FORCE OF VATICAN II LITURGY: AT NEARLY 50 YEARS OF SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM

Abstract

As a prelude to the 50th anniversary of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of Vatican II, Sacrosanctum Concilium (December 4, 1963), the author reflects on some issues of substance, based on his personal conviction that reformed liturgy has exerted a positive force on the Church. The occasion is set by the atmosphere of interest and discussion perceived in recent years around the liturgy. The author tries to reach the foundations involved –on both the theological and human level– in the questions and discussions about liturgy, and looks for insights to overcome the opposing views. These foundations are: 1) Change and permanence in liturgy, 2) The place and con-sequences of liturgy in Christian life, 3) Active participation as the key to the reform and nature of liturgy; 4) The Paschal mystery as incarnate mystery, and finally 5) The divine-human subject who acts synergistically with liturgy.