“Reform of the Reform”
The National Catholic Reporter online reported (7 January 2010) that Msgr Guido Marini, the chief papal liturgist, has called for a “reform of the reform” of the liturgy. Forty plus years after the close of Vatican II and its liturgical reform, he states that it is time to return to ensure that the liturgy demonstrates “historical continuity”.
He emphasises that this will be ensured by focusing on adoration in the Eucharist. “A renewed emphasis on “adoration,” explained by Marini as “union with God,” also will foster continuity with the past and should be a criterion for future liturgical practices, he said. Everything in the liturgy must be conducive to adoration, Marini said, including the music, the singing, the periods of silence, the way of proclaiming the Scriptures as well as the liturgical vestments and the sacred vessels.”
Silence in the liturgy is important, and when the “homily” is boring nonsense, a period of silent reflection after Gospel would be preferable.
But the Eucharist is not about adoration. It is the celebration by the Christian community in Word and Sacrament of the death and resurrection of Christ, a sharing in the Body and Blood of Christ so that we can live the Eucharist in our daily lives.
Msgr Marini’s perspective contradicts the intention of the liturgical reforms of the Council which are “that all the faithful should be led to that full, conscious, and active participation (emphasis mine) in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy” (SC 14).
In some countries (not in South Africa, as far as I know), priests place the exposed Blessed Sacrament on the altar during the Eucharist, so that the people can adore Christ during the celebration. This is a very unfortunate mixing of the Eucharist and the practice of adoration.
Adoration is not the core dynamic of the liturgy. Msgr Marini’s remarks, no doubt echoing the sentiments of Pope Benedict, would lead us back to the pre-Vatican II years in which the focus was on being quiet while the priest prayed in Latin in a low voice, far from the people.
True historical continuity would reflect the early church and its celebrations which were not focused on adoration, but on thanksgiving for the gift of life in Christ Jesus.
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- NCR ends online comments - January 15, 2014
