Thank you, Leila. I have learned so much from you. When I started reading your writings, I could barely grasp what you were talking about, but I have come to value it so much. This one talks to the soul, indeed. God bless.
Great article, thanks! I think that one of the reasons that it's hard to find repose and peace in the Novus Ordo is that there are so many "roles" to fill in the mass, from "bringing up the gifts" to being a lector, "extraordinary minister," etc. that for those who are of this busy-activity type of personality, it can be unsettling not to be "participating." Whereas in the TLM, on the other hand, there is no expectation of anything other than prayer and repose.
When you pay attention to the bishops and the varied minions who have "roles" regarding the liturgy, you realize how very important the "activity" is -- to the point that one of the very first things that was re-instituted when lockdown ended was Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, which makes no sense when looked at from an epidemiological point of view.
But when "participation" is the driving force, it's a high priority.
And of course, what does all this participation end up meaning? A hierarchy of participants. Some laity are more participation-y than others! Some get to stand around the altar. Some get to give out Holy Communion. They come to represent... who? The rest of us? That's weird, actually, and quite divisive when you come to think about it.
Whereas at the TLM, all of us who are not clergy or acolytes are who we are. None of us stands in for others. We are all the sheep and that's very good for us!
It took me more than a year to get past the restlessness when we switched to the TLM. It was shocking how constantly I wondered what time it was and inwardly griped about the slowness (and repetition ) of the chanting. But finally by God's grace that ended and this sense of drinking in the Word took over.
GRAVITAS...God's Real Attractive Vitality in Time and Space. Leila, I felt the gravity of this essay and only wish this and many memorable Substack reads weren't so quickly forgotten.
An incredibly perceptive essay. Thank you so much.
Wow, Leila. Well-put. It's like the tap got turned on, full blast. :)
Thank you, Leila. I have learned so much from you. When I started reading your writings, I could barely grasp what you were talking about, but I have come to value it so much. This one talks to the soul, indeed. God bless.
Wonderful reflective piece that simply goes right to the heart of the matter. Thank you!
Great article, thanks! I think that one of the reasons that it's hard to find repose and peace in the Novus Ordo is that there are so many "roles" to fill in the mass, from "bringing up the gifts" to being a lector, "extraordinary minister," etc. that for those who are of this busy-activity type of personality, it can be unsettling not to be "participating." Whereas in the TLM, on the other hand, there is no expectation of anything other than prayer and repose.
When you pay attention to the bishops and the varied minions who have "roles" regarding the liturgy, you realize how very important the "activity" is -- to the point that one of the very first things that was re-instituted when lockdown ended was Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, which makes no sense when looked at from an epidemiological point of view.
But when "participation" is the driving force, it's a high priority.
And of course, what does all this participation end up meaning? A hierarchy of participants. Some laity are more participation-y than others! Some get to stand around the altar. Some get to give out Holy Communion. They come to represent... who? The rest of us? That's weird, actually, and quite divisive when you come to think about it.
Whereas at the TLM, all of us who are not clergy or acolytes are who we are. None of us stands in for others. We are all the sheep and that's very good for us!
Well said.
It took me more than a year to get past the restlessness when we switched to the TLM. It was shocking how constantly I wondered what time it was and inwardly griped about the slowness (and repetition ) of the chanting. But finally by God's grace that ended and this sense of drinking in the Word took over.
This was really a great analysis. Thank you.
Wow! There is a lot here. Thank you, Leila, for this conversation.
GRAVITAS...God's Real Attractive Vitality in Time and Space. Leila, I felt the gravity of this essay and only wish this and many memorable Substack reads weren't so quickly forgotten.
Thank you, Mike.