Folks, remember that as of 14 September 2007 the provisions of Summorum Pontificum are in force.
The WDTPRS Rules are now in force too.
Fr. Z’s 5 Rules of Engagement now that the Motu Proprio is in force:1) Rejoice because our liturgical life has been enriched, not because "we win". Everyone wins when the Church’s life is enriched. This is not a "zero sum game".
2) Do not strut. Let us be gracious to those who have in the past not been gracious in regard to our "legitimate aspirations".
3) Show genuine Christian joy. If you want to attract people to what gives you so much consolation and happiness, be inviting and be joyful. Avoid the sourness some of the more traditional stamp have sadly worn for so long.
4) Be engaged in the whole life of your parishes, especially in works of mercy organized by the same. If you want the whole Church to benefit from the use of the older liturgy, then you who are shaped by the older form of Mass should be of benefit to the whole Church in concrete terms.
5) If the document doesn’t say everything we might hope for, don’t bitch about it like a whiner. Speak less of our rights and what we deserve, or what it ought to have been, as if we were our own little popes, and more about our gratitude, gratitude, gratitude for what God gives us.
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Amen, Fr. A true and beautiful reminder…and a real prick of the conscience.
Well Said Father, Yes a real call to being humble
Are we going to get “rules of engagement” for the new translation too? :D
OK, now how about some rules for the 3-year report, now due? Will most bishops send in a blank piece of paper?
Our dear Father Z:
Loved your take on the poor! Bravo. Let us all pray and reflect and find our role. You gave us the Big picture and micro views as well, well done, Fr., and inspirational…some good practical advice.
As to “rules:”
So glad to see these (again, can’t say this enough)…The amount of vitrol here by just a few can be a detriment to winning hearts and minds…(isn’t that what this is all about?) If you are a beneficiary of a wonderful liturgy, or just advocate for the same, by all means put on your humble cap and your most effusive smile and forgo some of the lambasting and other fits of ugly, even if you are “right.” That goes for the political takes as well, a little more silk and honey and less burlap and vinegar.
I’ve just finished the first chapter of the Mass in Slow Motion. by Msgr Knox. I might have half a clue by the time I’ve finished it. Still, we have to start at the beginning eventually…
A helpful reminder. I have to say, from what I can see, SP has made an impact, especially with regard to young priests and seminarians and their approach to the Sacred Liturgy. Brick by brick.
And building on #3 and #4, gentlemen, form Gregorian chant scholas so there may be more High Masses. The more High Masses, the more people attend.