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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Cardinal Kasper's Admission....Traddy's Are NOT Wrong

I know I'm a little behind due to Spring planting, but I just came across this and WOW!!!!  Those of you who know me best, know that I've been saying this since at least 1994!  His Eminence says and I quote,

In many places, they had to find compromise formulas, in which, often, the positions of the majority are located immediately next to those of the minority, designed to delimit them.  Thus the conciliar texts themselves have a huge potential for conflict, open the door to a selective reception in either direction. [...] For most Catholics, the developments put in motion by the Council are part of the Church's daily life.  But what they are experiencing is not the great new beginning nor the springtime of the Church, which were expected at that time, but rather a Church which has a wintery look, and shows clear signs of crisis. 
BOOM!  Literally.  This admission by one of the most liberal Catholic Cardinals since the Council itself  has come out and said that compromise and conflict were intentional.  He has admitted that the ambiguity of the Council was built in and that it was intentional.  That there were designs on delimitations (for those who might better understand it in these terms, deregulation).

Now when we read the documents, we find that there is a clear reason why there are no dogmas or doctrines defined, because there was never any intention to do so.  We find that documents like Sacrosanctum Concilium and Nostrae Aetate were intentionally vague and deregulatory.  We see that the leadership of the Church did have an agenda to effect the daily life of the Church in a way which was unclear, but the burning question is why?  What is the reason for the deregulation or delimiting?  If the texts had a huge potential for conflict (which has been realized), why were they ratified?

So, what now?  Those of us who have been calling this out now know that the premise we've been forwarding is correct.  We must go about proving it.

Why is this coming out now?  I think that perhaps (and this is my own opinion) that the baby boomer generation is starting to feel it's mortality, whereas before they had an air of invincibility.  I think that they are trying to set their legacy as really being proponents for change and this is a way to do it.  They've gone so long lying about the reality of what the documents of Vatican Council II actually said that now it has come time to say the truth and defend their actions so that they can put their mark firmly into history.  The Boomers lived their lives saying, "Don't trust anyone over 30...."  Now they are in their 60's and 70's and the truth is coming out...they didn't.  They were changing for the sake of change, not only in society, but as it has been admitted, in the leadership's actions surrounding the Church.

This is a sad commentary on a generation that didn't trust.  They didn't trust society, they didn't trust the Church.  They didn't trust in God.  And this is what we are left with, a false premise which defined two generations of Catholics.

The reality is that my generation didn't buy it, and those of us that are left (or are coming back) are those who will have to fix it.  And the first step is proving our premise.  A premise which was just spelled out by His Eminence.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Redundancy and Noble Simplicity?

In my ongoing dialogue with friends, peers, and sometimes adversaries, the conversation has continued.  Here is some of the latest which I would like to share with you and ask for your views and feedback.  This conversation is based upon a priest sharing with us that he used parts of the TLM in the Novus Ordo.  And the fact that he continues to offer both the Sacred Host and Precious Blood at every Mass, regardless the solemnity and offers kneelers for reception of the Sacred Host (which is laudable).

ME:  I find there something problematic about substituting EF propers for OF propers. While the feast may be the same, the liturgical action is not. The TLM should remain with the TLM and the Novus Ordo should remain with the Novus Ordo.

Here is a logistical question, which is not intended to be malicious, but one that I have been pondering....IF the precious blood is also the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, just as the Sacred Host is, should not kneelers be present for reception from the cup, as well? Why must we (the faithful) be forced to receive from the cup standing? It seems to be a major inconsistency.

Response #1:  Receiving the Blessed Sacrament under the species of Wine is not something any Catholic should need or desire.

Why? Because it was introduced to facilitate and justify the Laity standing to receive, since receipt kneeling (unless by intinction) is just too awkward and therefore a risk. The Laity have no need of the Precious Blood as a separate and distinct article.

Response #2:  I agree with both Andy and with [Responder #1]. Holy Communion under either form is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ and kneeling should be done if one chooses to receive under both forms, if offered. 

However, because reception of either form is just as completely Christ as under both forms the reception of both forms separately (as two separate receptions) is redundant, except for the external aspect (sign value?). We should simply go back to receiving the Host only while kneeling and on the tongue (with a paten under the chin) or by intinction while kneeling (and on the tongue only by necessity in this case).

ME:  I am absolutely on board with the continuation of this thought.  Redundancy is the key.  IF the Novus Ordo is to be "nobly simple" as has been preached, and teached, and kicked down our throats for the last 50 years, then why are we making it so much more complex in everything that is done?  A couple of key thoughts;

1.  The priest was the main minister.  Now he presides over a veritable cornucopia of so-called lay ministers.

a.  Lay song leaders
b.  Lay readers
c.  Lay gift bearers
d.  Lay Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
e.  Lay greeters
f.  Altar girls or boys, or both

2.  The Lectionary cycle has become invariably complex, to the point where the average layman is so confused by it that he must rely on a hand missal for the readings, EVEN though it is in his native tongue.

3.  The introduction of multiple options for the various "Rites" of the Mass itself.

a.  Multiple forms of antiphons
b.  Multiple forms of introductory rites
c.  Multiple forms of the Eucharistic Prayers
d.  Hundreds of songs

There is nothing "simple" about the Mass.  There is only complexity on a scale which is very hard to catechize, because there is no consistency in how the Mass will be presented.  From parish to parish; or even priest to priest inside the parish, there are differences which make the "experience" of Mass so different that trying to teach it requires....well, Redundancy.