Mystagogical Preaching as a Distinctively Theological Event

Abstract

Misunderstandings about the event character of liturgy and preaching often lead to critiques of the assertion that they are theologia prima. Mystagogical preaching as a distinctively theological event can illuminate the inherent connection between liturgy and preaching as theologia prima. This article begins with an exposition of liturgy as a theological event, continues with preaching as a theological event, and therefore argues that mystagogical preaching is a distinctively theological event because it involves expounding on the very liturgical event in which it is occurring. Saint Augustine's “Sermon 272” is used as a case study.