Models of Liturgical Memory: Mystical-Political Dimensions, Mythic-Historic Tensions

Abstract

The exercise of memory, both within and in relation to the performance of sacramental rites, comprises a number of related phenomena rich in theological and anthropological complexity. Due to their symbolic and ritual natures, memory and liturgy each evade abstract, generalizing theories while nonetheless inviting historical, social-scientific, and theological analyses useful to pastoral ministry. Given the importance yet complexity of the role of memory in liturgy, the author proposes a typological approach, essaying a number of models of liturgical memory according to some dozen categories, while noting that the mystical and political dimensions of these overlap and mutually impact each other in the practices of actual assemblies.