Money quote:
Setting aside the important underlying theological issues, we can see deeply rooted psychological motives behind the American priests who “individualize” the Masses they celebrate, placing their “personal stamp” on the liturgy. These priests play fast and loose with the rubrics of the mass, transform the “very brief” introduction after the greeting of the people, as authorized by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, into another homily. Some even individualize the prayer of consecration, and in numerous other ways seek to make the Divine Liturgy conform to their own tastes and views.
In the article there is a mention of a "Halloween Mass". Here is the video, including the priest dressing up as Barney.
ReplyDeletehttp://youtu.be/khco_N-uEOY
His "homily" is scandalous. Kyrie eleison.
This can cut both ways (High Church/Low Church), don't you think?
ReplyDeleteThat is mentioned in the article, if not in the article then elsewhere.
ReplyDeletePapa Olson,
ReplyDeleteNarcissism is problem for all men because all are sinners. But I never know what people mean by "high church." If you simply follow the rubrics of a traditional Lutheran Divine Service many would call that "high church" - but I can't see simply following the liturgical book of your tradition could be narcissistic in the way the article speaks.
+HRC
Fr. Curtis,
ReplyDeleteWhich rubrics? LSB, or something beyond that?
What if the pastor includes "traditional" elements that may have been tradition for some Lutherans but not for the congregation at hand?
Phil,
ReplyDeleteTo be sure, pastors can be jerks. And laity can be stubborn and hypersensitive. Es war immer so.
Basically, around here we think that good pastors should be about the task of leading their parishes into practices that confess Christ, uphold reverence, and teach the faith more effectively.
But you ask an interesting question about LSB's rubrics that we've answered elsewhere on this blog, especially here: http://gottesdienstonline.blogspot.com/2010/03/on-organic-view-of-liturgical-diversity.html
+HRC
"To be sure, pastors can be jerks. And laity can be stubborn and hypersensitive. Es war immer so." = very true words.
ReplyDeleteIf only we could recognize this and repent things we be much easier. I'm simply amazed sometimes by the complaints I hear from some people at my congregation. (I'm a layman, not a pastor.)*
For example, there are some people who love the liturgy as long as we don't chant any parts. They are convinced there is something wrong with that and it really bothers them. It's completely irrational.
"For example, there are some people who love the liturgy as long as we don't chant any parts. They are convinced there is something wrong with that and it really bothers them. It's completely irrational."
ReplyDeleteIt's a mystery, alright.
As a practical matter, I can only recommend avoiding the products of the family recipes, which the well-intentioned irrational bring to the parish potlucks.
There is a very good chance they've neglected the salt. Or even the beef.