Liturgical Feasts and Seasons: Novitiate Conferences on Scripture and Liturgy 3

In this third volume of papers from Thomas Merton's conferences as novice master at the Cistercian Abbey of Gethsemani, his insight into the liturgical pattern of the Christian year and beyond is presented in fresh detail. Merton's own commitment to this central dimension of Christian life is clear, and nowhere more so than in his work introducing students to the patterns that would mark their lives as monks. The thoroughly annotated text is preceded by an extensive introduction situating this material in the context of Merton's lifelong writing on liturgy.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 608 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: James Clarke & Co Ltd

In this third volume of papers from Thomas Merton's conferences during his decade (1955-1965) as novice master at the Cistercian Abbey of Gethsemani, his insightful exploration into the liturgical pattern of the Christian year and beyond is presented in remarkable detail. Merton's unwavering commitment to this fundamental aspect of Christian life is evident, and nowhere more so than in his work introducing students to the patterns that would shape their lives as monks. Although dating from the period just preceding the liturgical reforms of Vatican II, Merton's commentaries remain highly relevant. The extensively annotated text is preceded by an extensive introduction that contextualizes this material within the broader framework of Merton's lifelong writing on liturgy. Moreover, as his former student Br. Paul Quenon notes in his foreword, this context is deeply rooted in Merton's understanding of Scripture. These notes . . . take us into one man's lifetime of reflection and seasoned experience of the Church Year.

The Christian year is a cycle of seasons and festivals that mark the passage of time and celebrate the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is based on the lunar calendar and is divided into four seasons: Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. Each season has its own unique liturgical practices and traditions, such as Advent wreaths, Christmas carols, Lenten fasting, and Easter egg hunts.

The liturgical pattern of the Christian year is a rich and complex tapestry that reflects the diversity of Christian traditions and cultures. It is a living expression of the faith that is rooted in the ancient practices of the early Christian church and has evolved over centuries to become the vibrant and dynamic tradition that we know today.

One of the most significant aspects of the liturgical pattern of the Christian year is its emphasis on the importance of seasons and cycles. The seasons of the year, such as winter, spring, summer, and fall, are a reminder of the changing nature of the world and the need for us to adapt and change with it. The cycles of the year, such as the cycle of birth, death, and resurrection, are a reminder of the eternal nature of life and the hope that we have in Christ.

The liturgical pattern of the Christian year also emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship. The seasons and festivals of the year are a time for communities to come together and celebrate their faith and share their experiences. They are a time for people to come together and share their joys and sorrows, to support each other in times of need, and to rejoice in times of celebration.

The liturgical pattern of the Christian year is also a time for personal reflection and growth. The seasons and festivals of the year provide us with opportunities to reflect on our lives and our relationships with God and each other. They provide us with opportunities to repent of our sins and seek forgiveness, to grow in our faith and knowledge of God, and to become more compassionate and loving people.

The liturgical pattern of the Christian year is a beautiful and inspiring tradition that has been passed down through generations of Christians. It is a tradition that is rich in meaning and significance and that provides us with a way other way to connect with God and each other. It is a tradition that is worth celebrating and preserving for future generations.

In conclusion, the liturgical pattern of the Christian year is a rich and complex tapestry that reflects the diversity of Christian traditions and cultures. It is a living expression of the faith that is rooted in the ancient practices of the early Christian church and has evolved over centuries to become the vibrant and dynamic tradition that we know today. The liturgical pattern of the Christian year is a beautiful and inspiring tradition that is worth celebrating and preserving for future generations.

Weight: 884g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780718897352