The Mystery of the World in the Liturgy

Abstract

In the article The Mystery of the World in the Liturgy attention is directed
toward the understanding of the world in the texts of the third edition of the Roman
Missal, which deserve consideration due to the clear aggiornamento of relations of
the Church to the world, in the direction of sharing all the joys, but also the cares
of the world. The world (mundus) is understood as being dynamic, as the whole of
living people and things, people burdened by weaknesses, as the place of the lives of
people and of common relations which constitute the personality of every man. ‘The
course’ of the world takes place in the glow of God’s love.
The very seldom appearing contemptio mundi is understood as a poor grade
of the worldly life, the intelligent estimate of worldly successes. The most fitting
reply for the gift of the world is in giving witness to faith and love, progressing with
Christ in daily life. In prayers one should not search for concrete social-political
propositions.