Answering Back to God

An ancient characteristic of Catholic worship is the antiphon, a word that means "answering back." It is the pattern of liturgical call-and-response, as when the priest prays, "The Lord be with you," and the worshipers answer back, "And also with your spirit." This prayerful dialogue reflects a fundamental Catholic understanding of what it means to be human. We are "antiphonal" beings in conversation with our Creator -- listening for God's call and answering him with our lives.

Catholic Passion by David Scott

You know, that has never occurred to me in all the times I have joined in responsorial liturgy. How fascinating to consider that it is a reflection of that larger reality of our relationship with God.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity