The NCR no longer allows comments on its articles because their readers are really, really, really problematic when they write comments, most crude and unChristian not to mention heterodox and stupid.
So now they carefully choose comments to post as a group on a variety of articles. This one that I post was on Pope Francis’ first six years as pope. The comment praises the pope for pointing towards mystery rather than rational dissection of various doctrines:
From where I sit in the pew, the line reflecting my own experience is "Francis appeals to the heart. He complains that 'we have reduced our way of speaking about mystery to rational explanations, but for ordinary people the mystery enters through the heart.' " The whole point is that regarding mystery — trinity, one person/two natures, consecration — there are no rational explanations. Somehow as I understand it, love, a mystery in and of itself in my book, is the answer and that speaks to me of heart.
When I read this, it made me reflect on the two forms of the one Roman Rite. The Extraordinary Form captures perfectly what the commenter says above. The type of actual participation in the EF Mass isn’t rational, doesn’t try to understand, doesn’t scratch one’s head to figure out why one does what one does or why the priest celebrates the Mass doing this, that or the other. The actual participator in this Mass isn’t worried about hearing and understanding everything, wondering about historical accretions or useless repetition or why others around them might be doing various devotions like praying the Holy Rosary or why they do not receive Holy Communion or the common chalice isn’t provided.
The EF Mass is not like going to a Bible or Doctrinal study group. No one takes notes during the Mass or the priest’s homily as though they are a student in a classroom.
In other words, in comparison to the Ordinary Form of the Mass, “the EF Mass appeals to the heart, similar to Eucharistic Adoration. During the EF Mass, unlike the OF Mass, “we have not reduced our way of speaking about mystery to rational explanations, but (allow) the mystery (to enter) through the heart.”
Perfect description of the EF Mass and how we were prior to Vatican II. Vatican II and its OF Mass tries to reduce mystery, Trinity, One Person/two Natures, Consecration to rational explanations. The EF Mass, unlike the OF Mass, speaks to the heart not just the brain. It’s kind of like love. No! It is Love, with a capital “L”!
6 comments:
Yes, I would add “transcendent” love, with a capital TL Mass—i.e. TLM.
I read the letter to the editor, which linked, as well as quoted, Father Thomas Reese's analysis of Pope Francis' Pontificate.
I agree with certain aspects of Father Reese's analysis of said Pontificate.
Father Reese overall view of Pope Francis' Pontificate is very positive.
I agree most certainly with the staement that "Francis appeals to the heart."
That corresponds to the praise of Pope Francis that I noted here the other day that Bishops Morlino (requiescat in pace) and Hyling heaped upon our Holy Father.
Bishops Morlino and Hying, in line with one glowing analysis after another of Pope Francis' Pontificate, noted that Pope Francis is a down-to-earth, holy and fantastic priest who guides us in pastoral, uncomplicated fashion to Jesus Christ.
His Holiness, Pope Francis, our holy and great Culture of Life, as well as unrelenting promoter of God's love and mercy Roman Pontiff, appeals most definitely to the heart.
"Francis appeals to the heart."
Pax.
Mark Thomas
"The Church does not engage in proselytism."
— Pope Benedict XVI, May 13, 2007 A.D.
Yes, I would add “transcendent” love, with a capital TL Mass—i.e. TLM.
"The Church does not engage in proselytism."
Because, you know, proselytizing is a form of terrorism with all those hurt feelings..... and THAT'S not being Christian at all.
Can someone explain the distinction between proselytism and evangelization? It appears to be a nice one.
John Nolan,
Do you think Our Lord was guilty of "proselytism" when He said: Go forth and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost?"
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