[Magdalen] Psalm - Whither Goeth Thou?

[Cantor03 at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/13/2015 1:14:47 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
lupa at kos.net writes:

Does  this performance tradition stem from the notion that the sacrifice 
was to be  offered by the initiated on behalf of the unwashed masses?  It is 
indeed  an ancient tradition (isn't that what rood screens are for?) but it 
has  theological underpinnings that we've  discarded.>>>>
 
Ummm.  Not entirely.
 
Of course the "Sacrifice to be offered" is none other than the only
Sacrifice of Calvary which is made present with each Eucharist.  That  this
evocation can be done only by a particular group (not necessarily  elite
group!) of ordained persons is very much ingrained into most  Christian
denominations, including Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox and 
Anglicans of the more Anglocatholic persuasion.  
 
To this day, the Orthodox screen the sanctuary for much of their  Liturgy.
 
The West has gotten it all more out in the open, but the theology is  still
there.
 
 
David Strang.