187 - The Roman Rite, ad orientem worship, and liturgical tradition - Fr. Uwe Michael Lang
Dec 16, 2024
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Fr. Uwe Michael Lang, a liturgical historian and priest of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in London, shares insights from his book, A Short History of the Roman Mass. He discusses the origins and development of the Roman Rite, emphasizing the value of ad orientem worship. The conversation critiques liturgical antiquarianism and the importance of reverence for tradition in modern practices. Fr. Lang contrasts the traditional Latin Mass with the Novus Ordo, urging listeners to appreciate the theological depth of worship and foster charity in discussions about liturgical reform.
Fr. Uwe Michael Lang emphasizes the continuity of the Roman Mass, showcasing its stable structure since the fourth century despite various changes.
The ad orientem worship tradition fosters a communal focus towards Christ, reinforcing the sacrificial nature of the Mass amidst modern practices.
Deep dives
Continuity in the Roman Mass
The history of the Roman Mass reflects a profound continuity amidst centuries of change in various contexts, including social, political, and cultural shifts. Father Uwe Michael Lang emphasizes the significance of understanding the stable structure of the Mass, which has remained largely intact since its early origins documented from the fourth century. This focus distinguishes his work from others that may consider more peripheral aspects of liturgical development, such as calendars and particular rites. His goal is to illustrate this essential continuity, demonstrating how the order of the Roman Mass has consistently evolved while maintaining its core identity.
Erasmus vs. Newman on Liturgical Development
The contrasting views of Erasmus and St. John Henry Newman enrich the understanding of liturgical development by exploring the significance of antiquarianism in the context of the Mass. Erasmus advocated for returning to the earliest stages of the Church to recover a pure expression of Christianity, while Newman viewed early sources as unclear, suggesting that clarity emerged only after historical development. This dialogue sheds light on how scholars can mistakenly build theories from sparse evidence, necessitating humility when interpreting early Christian practices. Lang uses their contrasting perspectives to encourage a more measured approach to liturgical history, acknowledging the complexities of tracing origins.
The Richness of the Roman Canon
The Roman Canon, which is the first Eucharistic prayer, emerged as the primary liturgical text in the Roman Rite, signifying a fundamental element of its identity. Its development showcases a journey beginning from fragmented sources, with substantial texts reported around the 4th century, solidifying more comprehensively by the 6th century. Lang argues that this canonical structure offers a richness that stands out compared to more modern Eucharistic prayers, emphasizing how the historical development of language and ritual has preserved its depth. This appreciation for the Roman Canon becomes particularly essential in discussions about liturgical preferences and the practices of contemporary Catholic communities.
The Tradition of Facing East in Liturgy
The tradition of celebrating the Mass facing East has deep roots in the early Church, symbolizing the direction of Christ's second coming and incorporating rich theological significance. This practice, fundamental to the liturgical experience, fosters a communal orientation towards Christ, connecting both priest and congregation in a shared focus during worship. While this orientation has diminished in some modern practices, Lang argues for its value in reinforcing the sacrificial nature of the Mass, reiterating how the physical direction influences the spiritual atmosphere. Reviving such practices invites a deeper appreciation for the tradition and a reconnection with the broader liturgical heritage.
Fr. Uwe Michael Lang, a liturgical historian and priest of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in London, is the author of the new book A Short History of the Roman Mass, from Ignatius Press.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
The origins of the Roman Rite and development of the Roman Eucharistic Prayer
Problems with liturgical antiquarianism (trying to revive practices allegedly from the early Church in preference to what has been handed down continuously)
The value of ad orientem worship
Our current predicament of being cut off from the past/tradition