The liturgy is beautiful. From the magnificent settings of the Mass to the sweet smell of the incense to the grandness of the Church united as one, every aspect of the liturgy points to beauty. However, this cannot be viewed from an aesthetic perspective, for “beauty is the triumphant splendor which breaks forth when the hidden truth is revealed, when the external phenomenon is at all points the perfect expression of the inner essence” (13). The focus of the liturgy is salvation, and Guardini reminds us of this by analyzing the playful, symbolic, and festive elements in the liturgy.
The liturgy’s essential purposelessness is its first playful characteristic. Guardini writes, “the liturgy has no purpose, or, at least, it cannot be considered from the standpoint of purpose” (66). In other words, the liturgy isn’t a means to an end, but rather, the end in itself. From a utilitarian standpoint, the liturgy would be considered a waste of time and materials, since it achieves no practical purpose. This ties in with my second point, which is analyzing the playful essence of the liturgy. The liturgy serves to direct our gaze to God as we play like a child before Him, revealing the fullness in life. Guardini writes, “to be at play, or to fashion a work of art in God’s sight — not to create, but to exist — such is the essence of the liturgy” (70). The liturgy allows us to realize what God created us for: to…
