A Liturgical Workout

Gyms are busier than normal this month, filled with people who promised themselves a better body in 2016. Everyone who has attempted to bench press, Zumba, or kickbox their way to a new figure knows that getting in shape and staying in shape takes much more than simply showing up at the gym. A good workout begins with an adequate warm-up to prepare the muscles for intensive exercise. The workout itself should be a challenge. As my friend once said, “Don’t be afraid to sweat.” After the workout, a cool-down is necessary to return heart and breathing rates to normal. But staying in shape is as much about what happens outside the gym, e.g., eating the right foods and making other healthy choices.

Whenever we celebrate the liturgy, we exercise our spiritual muscles. Like a physical workout, a productive liturgical workout depends on much more than simply showing up at church once a week.

Getting the most out of liturgy depends first on an adequate warm-up. The liturgical documents tell us that we should come to Mass with “proper dispositions,” with hearts ready to pray, with minds focused to pay attention, and with spirits hungry to feast on the living God.  Here are a few suggested pre-Mass warm-ups:

Read the Scripture readings beforehand.

Allow yourself and/or your family enough time to get to Mass.

On the way to Mass, think about everything for which you have to be thankful.

When you get to church, welcome any newcomers you might notice.

Reach out to someone who is going through a tough time.

During Mass, participate with your whole being. Sing the songs and pray the prayers with passion. Listen attentively. Allow the readings, the music, the symbols, and the rituals to engage your spirit, move your soul, soften your heart, and transform your way of being.

For a cool-down after Mass, reflect on what the liturgy meant to you. Think about the reading, the music, the symbol or the ritual that affected you the most. Discuss the question of the week. Sing the psalm refrain.

Exercise those spiritual muscles outside the liturgy. Pray in the Church’s morning or evening prayer. Celebrate weekday Mass. Read the daily Scripture readings. Study your faith. Take an adult education class. Practice the Works of Mercy.

A good physical workout leaves us exhausted but exhilarated, with a sense that we have accomplished something. A good liturgical workout also leaves us exhausted but exhilarated, with a sense that God has accomplished something in us.