Liturgical Charitology of Psalm 118 (117) on Solemnities, Feasts and Memorials of Saint Pastors

Abstract

Putting Psalm 118 (117) in the Liturgy of the Word on solemnities, feasts and memorials of saint Pastors contributes to transmitting the teaching about grace and to actualizing grace, experiencing it, accepting and implementing its fruit. The concept of liturgical charitology means here charitology in liturgical texts and in the way it is formed, especially in joining the Psalm with the passage 2 Cor 5,14-20 and its subject of service and conciliation thanks to the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this way charitology of Psalm 118 (117) is concerned with three memorials of saint Pastors and monks, and especially when the memorials are elevated to the rank of a solemnity (sollemnitas) or a feast (festum). The solemnities or feasts refer to Saint Clemens Maria Hofbauer — on 15^th March, Saint Szymon of Lipnica — on 18^th July, and Saint John of Capistrano — on 23^rd October. In this form of Liturgy of the Word on these feasts or celebrations grace is revealed first of all in God’s dynamic action. In the service of grace of reconciliation especially the Saints’ activity is inscribed that aims at preaching God’s Word and at the work of salvation, teaching faith and involvement in the development of one’s own religious orders, but also in one’s own conversion or in harmony between towns or countries. In God’s grace of paschal kindness, His faithfulness and glory, the Saints’ experience of help and protection is inscribed, especially in their childhood years, and then the power of their effect on others that is owed to following God’s kindness in their lives. In the grace of joy, victory and light, the Saints’ way is inscribed of searching for their vocation, their fight with themselves, trust in God and service for the defense of faith. In the grace of rejection, building and perseverance, the Saints’ faithfulness is inscribed to the foundations of faith, to unity of the Church, despite adversities, as well as service to the poor, sick and suffering.