In "Boo" below, Peter Nixon writes:
The other day Amy talked about people who say things like “I’m not a liturgical hardliner, but…” I certainly would put myself in this category. I’m not pining for a return to the Latin or worship ad orientem. I don’t think liturgical music has all been going to hell since Palestrina. I don’t write long, single-spaced letters to my bishop citing violation after violation of the GIRM.
All I want is for the Eucharist to be celebrated with words, music and gesture that reflects the fact that we are engaged in the worship of God. Why is that so very difficult?
My opinion, very briefly.
1) Because the dominant way about thinking about liturgy among liturgy professionals is that what you want is too vertical. I really don't want to get into stereotypes here, so I will try not to. But for 2 or 3 decades now, the prevailing paradigm of Catholic liturgy has been a)to awaken the attendee to the presence of God within and within his or her brothers and sisters in the community and to do so by b) affirming the goodness and unique giftedness of the gathered community.
2) Because in practice, what is in the books functions, practically as a template and guide and priests are not called on it. I am not convinced that liturgical education has been so great in seminaries of late, and the thrust in professional liturgical ministry programs has been very much on the here and now, on creativity, and so on.
3) What that does, by its very nature, is draw attention to ourselves. Our efforts become supreme, our relatedness, our sensibilities, our interpretations become the guide.
Why?
Because, again, they can. Because the pastoral reality is that it has been allowed.
The perception and practice is that Catholic liturgy is very flexible and stretchy. And when that perception is there, we flex and stretch. In addition, those who have been at it for a while get bored. They think that their boredom, as professionals, must be mirrored in the congregation's. And perhaps it is, but for different reasons than they know.
There is lots more to say, and I'm sure you all will say it. American culture plays a big role in this discussion, the impact of evangelical worship styles and music (a dynamic that is being played out within Protestantism as well, as people just run...out..of..ideas...and get exhausted trying.)
The shortest answer of all: They think you won't like it. They think you'll be bored and go away to a more entertaining place. They think you come to Mass to be affirmed in your uniqueness, and if you and your cute kids aren't given due credit, you'll walk.
Finally, I think ad orientem shouldn't be dismissed too quickly. As i've boringly repeated, I experienced a mild version of it this past summer and was absolutely startled by the difference that one subtle shift in the priest's position during prayer made. It wasn't during the Eucharistic Prayer, but during the prayers from the Chair. He turned, at about a 45 degree angle, to face the same direction as we were. It...made a difference. It shifted the focus of our response. It was fascinating.
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