From Leo’s Christmas Address to the Roman Curia today.
We can fall into the temptation of swinging between two opposite extremes: uniformity that fails to value differences, or the exacerbation of differences and viewpoints instead of seeking communion. Thus, in interpersonal relationships, in internal office dynamics, or in addressing questions of faith, liturgy, morality and more besides, there is a risk of falling into rigidity or ideology, with their consequent conflicts.
I fear that that is what is driving policies in Charlotte and other places.
Uniformity is not unity. Forced uniformity is destructive.
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I recall a quote from St. Carlo Acutis: “All people are born as originals but many die as photocopies.” While it was said for a different reason, “forced uniformity” is saying to me we must all be “photocopies” rather than true sons and daughters of God. This does not mean uniformity in ‘faith, liturgy, and morality” is in and of itself bad, I believe it is okay when it is an organic and natural development from the past, i.e, Tradition.
There is a site called Hand Missal History (https://handmissalhistory.com/about/) set up by an independent researcher. If one looks at his projects which are focused on the experience of the laity, in my opinion it is clear that many assumptions about the experience of the laity prior to VII are false or not completely true, and so many liturgical changes proposed had already been tried and found wanting (regarding their desired effect). Hence the liturgical reforms were a bad idea and part of his research shows that by 1969 (I think) nearly every one was tired of all the changes.
But, we have two generations of Catholics who only know the NO. So promoting or allowing priests to offer both NO and VO masses, IMHO, is such a convenient solution it boggles my mind why so many priests and bishops think it is divisive, or hate it. All I can think of is this: with the NO it is possible for the priest to act and preach like there is no such thing as mortal sin, particularly sexual sins, whereas with the VO this, because of the nature of the prayers the priest says for himself, is not possible for a sincere cleric to deny the existence of Sin.
But now that I can only assist at NO masses and the priest is orthodox regarding moral issues, emphasizes confession, etc., I have learned that many regular NO Mass attendees are concerned about their salvation and are serious about sin. Of course, after this priest was installed, those in irregular marriages moved to the other parish in town where the rules were the same, but not emphasized.
I feel like Pope Leo is talking about stuff in the Curia we’re not privy to but it’ll be applied to us plebs.
David Warren, (Essays in Idleness), speaking of Jorge’s ‘writings’, described it as “Bergoglian Bafflegab”. D. C. al fine, eh?
Very well and beautifully stated, Father (and Pope Leo).
What is needed is clarity and communication, and I think Pope Leo leans toward the good example set by Pope Benedict. He thinks before he speaks, writes, and acts, and he does so faithfully and unambiguously, with simplicity.
Indeed, uniformity is not unity. And forced unity is not only destructive, but corrosive. As is a lack of respect for members of our Catholic family.
I hope that Pope Leo firmly and clearly leads by his good example, as Pope Benedict did. I think he will, in fact.
The TLM – and the Novus Ordo Mass and Divine Liturgies of the Eastern Rite – are fully valid and licit in the Catholic Church. It comes down to a matter of preference for every Catholic to turn to the Mass or Divine Liturgy of their choice to worship and fulfill our Catholic duty. No one should disrespect any of these valid and licit Forms of the Mass, nor those who attend them.
That said, I hope Pope Leo enforces the dignity and proper worship of every Form of the Mass. There should be no mockery or lack of dignity or anything that takes away from Who we worship and how we worship Him. NOTHING is more vitally important than the Mass or Divine Liturgy.
Peace to all here, and optimistic hopes for peace worldwide in the New Year.