Topics discussed include the impact of Traditional Latin Mass at the U.S. Capitol, the concept of obedience in the church, controversy surrounding a memo and traditionalist Catholicism, the ownership of the liturgy and sacraments, and the importance of aesthetics in the liturgy.
The Extraordinary Form of the liturgy is often misunderstood and associated with certain aesthetics, but its essence is not solely based on those aspects.
Defiance of canonical laws in the Church, even if done prayerfully, can set a concerning example and raises questions about obedience to ecclesiastical leaders.
There is a need for clarity in discussions about preferences for the extraordinary form of the Mass, distinguishing between style and substance and examining the depth of conviction behind liturgical choices.
Deep dives
Public Perception of the Extraordinary Form
The author discusses the public perception of the Extraordinary Form of the liturgy, highlighting the expectation of the aesthetics, such as the look, sound, smell, and totality of people and place. This is what newcomers, like the author, anticipate when attending their first Traditional Latin Mass.
Misconceptions about the Extraordinary Form
The author clarifies that the emphasis on aesthetics was not intended to reflect the true essence of the Extraordinary Form. Instead, it was meant to address the common misconceptions and stereotypes associated with it. The author further explains that the liturgy itself was not significantly different from other reverently performed masses the author had attended.
Impressions of the Liturgy
Based on the author's first experience as a spectator of the Extraordinary Form, the liturgy was found to be reverently performed and largely similar to other masses. However, it is important to note that this observation does not encompass all aspects of the liturgy.
Flouting the Laws of the Church and Obedience
The podcast delves into the topic of individuals who knowingly and cheerfully defy the canonical laws of the Church. While acknowledging that these individuals may be good and prayerful, the speaker expresses concern over their defiance and the example it sets for others. The speaker also discusses the tension between obedience to ecclesiastical leaders and the selective obedience practiced by many faithful. The COVID-19 pandemic is cited as a factor that exacerbated this tendency to question and challenge disciplinary laws. The speaker recognizes the importance of obedience but acknowledges the complexity of balancing obedience with the potential harm caused by ecclesiastical leaders' decisions.
Style versus Substance in Liturgical Preferences
The podcast explores the motivations behind the preference for the extraordinary form of the Mass and the ongoing debates surrounding it. The speaker emphasizes the need for clarity in these discussions, particularly in distinguishing between matters of style and matters of substance. While acknowledging the importance of reverent worship and strong liturgical preferences, the speaker questions the justification for defying ecclesiastical hierarchy based solely on liturgical style. The speaker suggests that the question of substance, such as the nature of the sacrament and its fitting expression, needs to be further examined to understand the depth of conviction that drives individuals to prioritize certain liturgical forms.