During our lectures on Liturgy and Worship, the speaker pointed out the difference between a gathering and an assembly: A GATHERING can be a group of people in the same place, at the same time, saying and doing the same things; an ASSEMBLY, on the other hand, is a group of people who are united in their purpose and in their destination.
He further explained that we who participate in the Catholic Mass or Eucharistic Celebration, are not just a group of people gathering together at a common place and a common time to say the same prayers and do the same actions. Instead, we are given the name “liturgical ASSEMBLY” to remind us that we are united for a common purpose, and are in procession towards a common destination, just as the Israelites were assembled to get to the Promised Land.
The speaker further stated: “We Christians are here on earth as exiles. Essential to the Christian message is that we spend our life here on earth longing for our true home which is in heaven.” Through the liturgy, we are therefore on the move towards something further, something better.
In learning the above, it suddenly dawned upon me why Captain America doesn’t say, “Avengers gather!” Cos’ it would be silly to see them simply gather to sing songs and drink beer together.
In the same way, it would be silly for us just to gather in church to sing songs together or fulfill a Sunday obligation. Rather, it makes more sense that we’re joining other members of the Church to assemble for Mass to fulfill a common Mission, and fight for our true home in God’s Kingdom, and be one with our Heavenly Father. That would most certainly be an Endgame worth assembling and fighting for!
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