Friday, January 4, 2008
Liturgical Unity
“The mystery of Christ is so unfathomably rich that it cannot be exhausted by its expression in any single liturgical tradition.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1201).
Forty Years after the Council
It is a sad symptom of what is “certainly a genuine crisis” (Pope John Paul II, Veritatis Splendor, 5) in the current life of the Church that those faithful who are rightfully attached to the Classical Rite or the Tridentine Liturgy have been accused of being ‘divisive’ or of ‘causing disunity’ in virtue of their attachment. The Holy Father has condemned such unjust treatment of traditional Catholics and even asked forgiveness for, “The at times partial, one-sided and erroneous application of the directives of the Second Vatican Council, (which) may have caused scandal and disturbance concerning the interpretation of the doctrine and the veneration due to (the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist)” (Dominicae Cenae, III.12).
Of Fidelity & Sensibility
There is indeed a great threat to unity in the Church. It comes, however, from those who reject and disobey the apostolic tradition, NOT from those who UPHOLD it: “The criterion that assures unity amid the diversity of liturgical traditions is fidelity to apostolic Tradition” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1209). Therefore, it is the actions of the majority of the mainstream Catholic Church clergy and laity who have deviated from fidelity to apostolic tradition that has plunged the Church into the crisis that all of us now face. Only if wisdom that respected history, tradition, and sensitivity had prevailed, there would have been a far better result and less division.
Our Birthright
Futhermore, many young people have not heard of this rite of Mass that Pope Urban VII proclaimed as, ''the most beautiful thing this side of heaven". Perhaps, the Church could also take this opportunity to expose young Catholics to the rite of worship of our ancient Catholic religion and give them a sense of pride in their faith.
Only with pride and zeal for their faith, will young people step out to serve in the various ministries on their own accord. The traditional Mass is the birth right of all Roman Catholics around the world.
Community of Believers
The Second Vatican II Council refered to the Church as a Community, I'm sure that there are the older generation of Catholics who miss the old rite of Mass too, we have to be charitable and ensure that they do not feel left out. As a community of believers, we have to take into consideration all our brothers and sisters and not only our own intentions.
It is also interesting to note that over the past few years, an increasing number of young people have shown keen interest in the Tridentine Liturgy. The Church needs to be ready to supply the needs of the young people who will eventually be the supporting pillars of the Church.
Directions
Where are we headed I can't say... but perhaps the spirit of our late Holy Father, John Paul II is with us, continuing to bring about the 'new evangelization' he once called for. An evangelization not only to the Pagans and Protestants but amongst Catholics as well- an immersation of the rich liturgical ceremonies and customs of our One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Amen.
Labels: Evangelism, Holy Father, Liturgy, Second Vatican Council, Summorum Pontificum, Traditionalism
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
The Great Commission
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." St. Matthew 28:19
We are all called to take our Lord, His love and His message of salvation to others. In fact we're not called, we're commanded to do this. And as faithful soldiers (2 Timothy 4:1-2) of Christ, our Commander-in-Chief has given us our very clear instructions!
Many Protestants often refer to Matthew 28:19 as the Great Commission. Rightly so. It's not the great suggestion. It's not an option, but a clear command of our King of kings and our Commander-in-Chief.
And all of us, therefore, are called and commissioned to share the faith we have in Jesus Christ in a relational and natural way. We don't have to be polished speakers or winning debaters or a trained theologians in order to share the faith to others.
We have been freed from a fatal disease that is called sin through the healing power of a Divine Physician named Jesus.
To keep this Good News to yourself would be one of the most selfish acts in the world.
By the power of His blood, which cleanses us from every sin, has changed our hearts. And because we have been transformed by the love and grace of God, we can and should tell others!
Labels: Evangelism, Thoughts
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Easter: Sent Forth to Proclaim the Gospel
The culmination of any encounter with the Risen Lord lies in obeying his command to proclaim the Gospel to all creation. This is what the Eleven learned. This is Christ’s permanent call to all of us who are Christians. Our encounter of faith with the Risen Lord should lead us to love him even more. This is what it did for the apostles. Our encounter with the Risen Lord should not be kept solely for the private sphere of our life. Rather, it should draw us to be zealous in proclaiming him to others. The sense of Christ’s command is to proclaim him to as many others as possible.
Labels: Easter, Evangelism, Priesthood
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