Its been a while since we have perused the silliness that goes on in the local Church bulletins every week in the parishes of progressive dinosaurs across the land. Too long.
So I present to you, for your viewing pleasure, Fr. Bill Conway of Divine Savior Parish in Downers Grove Illinois (courtesy of http://eponymousflower.blogspot.com/ Please give a click).
Fr. Conway is a powerhouse of sill ideas and he packs so many into this one bulletin, it is hard to keep up.
It is worth one’s time to consider what some of the Church’s leading theologians at the Second Vatican Council thought and wrote concerning the Eucharist and liturgy. In recent years one hears some speaking of the role of the priest in the liturgy as acting in persona Christi (in the person of Christ). My fear with such language is that it may have the effect of clericalizing the celebration of the Eucharist, making the assembly once again a passive observer. At. Augustine reflecting on the meaning of ecclesia as the unity of the Body of Christ.
The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum, Concilium) clearly underscores this understanding when it states the when we are gather at the Eucharist Table, it is in that moment that we are truly Church (ecclesia). Furthermore, in the gathering through the Holy Spirit we act with Christ, the High Priest, in offering the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to the Father.
On this idea of the sacerdocio of the assembly in the Eucharist Yves Congar, O. P. cites the words of St. Peter Damian – words that at first glance appear somewhat contemporary: “the sacrifice of praise is offered by all the faithful, not only by men but also by women, even though it might appear to be offered in a special way by the priest alone (p. 26)”. These words were written a thousand years ago! Would that those who wish to restrict or limit the presence and active participation of women in the liturgy take heed of the words of St. Peter Damian.
While I respect the decision of the Holy Father to permit the extraordinary rite of the Tridentine Mass (please note “extraordinary”), my criticism of this form is that by the very manner of its celebration it renders the role of the laity to being little more than onlooker. In fact, it was precisely because of this that the Council Fathers in Sacrosanctum Concilium mandated the reform of the Latin Rite of the Catholic Mass: “In the restoration and promotion of the sacred liturgy, this full and active participation by all the people is the aim to be considered before all else (#14)”.
Phrases, such as “in persona Christi”, “ad orientem”, I believe run contrary not only to the spirit of Vatican II but to the very tradition of the Church. Jesus did not celebrate the Last Supper with His back to the apostles (ad orientem) but rather reclined at table with them.
It is worth noting the language of the Eucharistic prayers of the Church concerning the role of the Holy Spirit in the Eucharist. The Holy Spirit is not only the one who sanctifies and makes holy, but also makes us the “communio sanctorum” one in Christ: “may all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ be brought together in unity by the Holy Spirit (Euch. Prayer II).
Be it Yves Congar, Odo Casals, Virgil Michels, Karl Rahner, Hans Kung, Schillebecxks, [HAHAHAHHAHAHA] Joseph Ratzinger, or other theologians, I am grateful for their insights that have deepened my appreciation and wonderment for the Eucharist as the prayer of the People of God.
– Fr. Bill Conway
Reflections
Wow. Where to start. What seems underly all of Fr. Conway’s silliness here is a complete misreading of the term active participation. He and his ilk conceive of active participation as some sort of liturgical calisthenics rather than something interior. This is why Fr. Conway’s ejaculatory euphoria over the contemporariness of St. Peter Damian’s thousand year old quote is laughable. As if contemporary were the criteria.
It is just as easy, if not sometimes even easier, to be nothing more than an onlooker in the ordinary form as it is in the extraordinary form. My experience is that I am usually much more engaged in the extraordinary form, but that is just me. His contempt for anything pre-council is the very definition of the hermeneutic of discontinuity.
As for the rest of his little digs, they are as contemptuous as they are banal and quite unbecoming.
There could be much more to say, but I have to run now. You know who could have a field day with this one? Father Z. Let’s see if we can get father to take a crack at this crackpot.
Your comments are welcome.
August 11, 2011 at 3:24 pm
Anyone who cites the old canard about 'ad orientam'- (Jesus did not celebrate the Last Supper with His back to the apostles (ad orientem) but rather reclined at table with them.)- is impossible to take seriously.
Is he saying he is Jesus, with his parish reclining around him??? Do they all lie on pillows around their communal table?? I doubt it.
It is a consummately foolish notion that in order to participate in prayer, we must all be running around, shaking hands, passing out communion, singing terrible songs with gusto etc. etc. And, by extension, that anyone who is sitting quietly in contemplative prayer isn't really "church". Ugh.
The angry sputterings of these folks about the Tridentine Rite is proof that they are on the wane, their demise cant come soon enough for me.
August 11, 2011 at 3:35 pm
This priest seems to need to wax eloquently on all things–history, language [as he translates numerous terms in the parish bulletin…] Thinking and acting with the Church might be more helpful and instructive for him and the parish he serves.
August 11, 2011 at 4:24 pm
The worrisome part is the number of people in his church that are being fed this swill and don't know the difference.
I have moved far past the point where I can "offer up" distractions. I don't want to hold hands or be assaulted by well meaning people waving the peace symbol at me from across the aisle. I no longer can tolerated horrible music and charismatics waving their arms in the air. I simple don't go…
August 11, 2011 at 5:42 pm
@Adrienne-GO. This is your Jesus, and HIS MASS for you. The gift of Jesus Christ in the Holy Sacrament is for each and every one of us. Do not deny yourself Jesus Christ. Do not turn your back on Christ to wave at the taxi cab driver in the last pew. Never leave Jesus alone on the altar. If you are the only Christian in the building remain faithful to Christ. "I have carved your name in the palm of my hand." "Forgive them for they not what they do". If they refuse to be forgiven GO ANYWAY. "Be it Yves Congar, Odo Casals, Virgil Michels, Karl Rahner, Hans Kung, Schillebecxks, [HAHAHAHHAHAHA] Joseph Ratzinger, or other theologians, I am grateful for their insights that have deepened my appreciation and wonderment for the Eucharist as the prayer of the People of God." Weren't Kung, Schillebecxks, Congar, and Rahner suspended from teaching theology? It is said that they had highjacked Vatican II, but they cannot highjack Jesus. The likes of these did not just impose themselves on Jesus Christ, but on the People of God. And this ignorant fellow is still imposing these heretics on the People of God. Read Saint Augustine on offering our hearts in union with the priest at Consecration to almighty God, the Father, through Him and with Him and in Him. But do not ever let the heretic discourage you from your frienship with Jesus Christ. Let the spirit proclaim Jesus Christ King of heaven and earth…GO
August 11, 2011 at 5:45 pm
Allow me to rephrase that: I simply don't go to the NO Mass anymore. We attend a FSSP parish…
But I was touched by your concern. Really…
August 11, 2011 at 5:46 pm
It is not so uncommon to find in a parish where high regard is given to the likes of Congar, Kung, Rahner, et al, that the parish is turned inward on itself. Indeed, it must be, as it is following a path few would support.
August 11, 2011 at 6:05 pm
I find that I am more engaged when there is peaceful order and a quiet focus on the Eucharist, no matter what the form. When I see or hear theatrics, or the intrusive personality of the priest, or crappy, sentimental music "performed", I zone right out. My soul does an armadillo and curls up in an armored ball. Can't help it.
August 11, 2011 at 6:09 pm
Classify his comments under: More Mumbo Jumbo. Man likes to ramble on and on with no point being made. Does he try to convince himself how right he is–definate yes.
August 11, 2011 at 6:18 pm
This poor fellow is what we'd call a "Liturgical Twit" or Lit-Twit for short.
August 11, 2011 at 8:43 pm
Lit-Twit! Ha! Love it.
August 11, 2011 at 10:40 pm
With all due respect to the frustration that his comments elicit (frustration I share and appreciate), what are the odds that Fr. Conway will read this blog post & its comments and be edified?
If these haven't already crossed it, this is dancing on the line between charitably pointing out a brother's faults (as Jesus prescribed) and simply tearing down the man with his faults.
August 12, 2011 at 3:01 am
Father Maurer is precisely right.
A valid critique could be made of this priest's column in the bulletin, but this post did little more than belittle the man, and other (theologians, I might add) who think the way he does.
Take him on with proofs and texts, if you're capable and inclined. A smear like this would never be tolerated against a priest who pastors in the other direction.
August 12, 2011 at 8:06 am
And then we can all go skipping in the fields and pick poppies…
"the spirit of Vatican II…" Mmm hmm. 'Nuff said, I think.
August 12, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@Father Maurer: The faithful are entitiled to the Divine Litury as the church proscribes. The other (theologians) have been curtailed by the Vatican, so must he.
@Thom Curnette, SFO the post did not belittle the man, the post exposed a "little man".
August 12, 2011 at 1:09 pm
I promise to learn how to spell Divine Liturgy.
August 12, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@Adrienne: The priest has the power to consecrate the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinty of Jesus Christ. Your reverence and love for Jesus is all that must matter and pray for the priest, all priests, pray the Rosary and let the devil be damned. On the feast of the Immaculate Conception in the Year of the Priest, our Pope, Benedict XVI asked each one of us to pick a priest and TO PRAY FOR THAT PRIEST OUR WHOLE AND ENTIRE LIFE. and I have never been more happy. Your appreciation is greatly appreciated.
August 12, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@Blackrep:
It is called the crucifixion, a share in the abandonment of Jesus.
August 14, 2011 at 6:18 pm
To Thom SFO:
Rev. Maurer's "litany" of dissident theologians" at the close is "too clever by half," isn't it?
No one who actually knows about Hans Kung (et al), stripped of his license to teach theology, and openly contemptuous of Joseph Ratzinger, would be persuaded that Rev. Maurer is united with Pope Benedict.
So it seems…Rev. Maurer is playing on the compliant and uninformed sheep in his flock. Isn't that right? Or, are they as informed as the Reverend himself?
August 15, 2011 at 3:48 am
I think the two priests who comment here are right, and their wise admonition has been ignored by subsequent commenters.
I think this is a "both and" rather than an "either or" situation. The phrase used to be "assist at mass". The laity do join themselves with the priest in offering the sacrifice. The quote from St. Peter Damian is not wrong, and it might be saying something that needed to be said in his times. I believe our times needs more to be reminded that the laity cannot make that offering without the priest at their head.
We could tell this priest also…that the Eucharist is not a remake of the Last Supper, but a making present of the Sacrifice on the Cross, that the priest in the ad orientem position is standing at the head of his people, facing the same way they are, that participation is essentially an interior act, whether it is manifested outwardly by reverent silence, or by saying or chanting responses.
But the fathers are correct that if he reads these comments, he will only be confirmed in his idea that we conservative Catholics are a bunch of picky critics, of not much substance.
August 15, 2011 at 6:58 am
Chris in Maryland,
FYI, I think you've confused me and Father Conway.