Dear Family,
Among the most memorable courses I had in the seminary was taught by the now Abbot of Mount Angel Abbey, the Right Rev. Jeremy Driscoll.  The class was an introduction to the theology through the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy, especially through the celebration of Holy Mass. Various parts and aspects of the Mass were explored as we received an orientation in the basic fields of systematic theology. We enjoyed the class so much we often commented how we should have Mass after that class, instead of before. A principle that guided this is called Lex orandi, Lex crendendi (literally translated as Law of prayer, law of belief). This principle is used to enshrine the coherence of our liturgical prayer and our doctrine and dogma, in a special way it has to do with the written and spoken texts of the Mass.
There is a similar concept which is called orthopraxis, or right practice, action, or right conduct. The similarity in these two concepts is that right belief (orthodoxy) leads to right conduct. If we believe in the dignity of humanity, we don’t treat people in a way that offends that dignity. We see this in a unique way in our liturgical practices, we know our Lord will come to us in Holy Communion and so we kneel in reverence and adoration as that happens. The Latin expression “Lex orandi, lex crendendi” is often expanded to include “lex vivendi” making the whole expression: the law of prayer; law of belief; law of living.  The law of living includes us as individuals and us as a community of believers and disciples of the Lord Jesus.
When we speak of orthoxpraxis or the lex vivendi it includes every aspect of our life; our ceremonial actions and practice, reverence for the sacred, respect for oneself and for others. The law of prayer, belief, and life; isn’t a series of rules and regulations. Rather, it is a theological concept that helps see life through the lens of the Sacramental reality we are drawn into as Catholics.
The Sacraments aren’t just things we do but really are meant to open our understanding of the world around us and the mission God our Father has given us through Holy Baptism. As we pursue and acquire personal holiness, we are impelled to reach out into the world to work towards the transformation of the world by reclaiming it for God. The synthesis of the “law of prayer, belief and life” makes our lives a testimony of the power and mercy of God’s love and grace. 
Perhaps this week’s “Pastor’s Ponderings” seems a bit complicated, but it is also an opportunity. To reflect on our understanding of why we do what we do and to ask the question: What would a person with no familiarity with the Faith understand to be happening here. Perhaps there is an action or gesture, maybe part of our ethical or moral code that invites you to a deeper understanding.
We often think of the great saints as mystics who had their own peep hole into the working of grace. I think that they were simple people, much like us, but with a keen awareness of God’s proximity and the way the Sacraments work and are meant to work. May we strive to develop this same understanding.

Your Father in Christ,
Father Estrella
 

 

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