“In herinnering aan die kinders … wat aan honger en koue moet sterf.” Liturgie in ’n konteks van armoede

Abstract

“In memory of the children … who have to die of cold and hunger.” Liturgy in a context of poverty.
This article asks the question how, if at all, the reality of poverty is currently being reflected in a typical middle class Dutch Reformed liturgy. Using Oscar Kokoschka’s drawing “Solidary Christ” as a locus theologicus, it is argued that two Christian rituals, namely the Lord’s Supper and offerings (and specifically in combination), are two very important rituals which should go through a process of liturgical inculturation with specific regards to poverty. A brief look at Scripture and the history of liturgy confirm this connection. It also brings to the fore the ethical obligation lived out in a life of gratitude with regards to the poor, that participation in these rituals entail. Finally some suggestions are made for the liturgical inculturation of these two rituals within a context of poverty which may firstly help a typical middle class Dutch Reformed liturgy to reflect on the current South African context of poverty, and secondly to assist in the connection between liturgy and life.