For those of you who like their music Roman, Latin, and Plain (unlike my little brother, who is currently listening to Megadeth) I have been recommended recently this great site, which makes it possible to download the entire Graduale Romanum: MusicaSacra (Church Music Association of America).Just to emphasise, it is not just 'old fashioned' music, but sacred, and steeped in culture and beauty. There are many fine young composers writing music for this genre today, in continuity with our past. Even in our own Birmingham Oratory there is an acquaintance of mine who writes music and sings in the choir.
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog while surfing around. May I ask a few questions?
When you say you favour 'traditional' forms of worship and spirituality, I presume you mean the tradition of the last 1000 years? The Biblical tradition Christians had of breaking bread in their homes would have been a very different event from the red robes, incense and Latin Liturgy of places like the Oratory. Why not follow that earlier tradition?
There was no rosary in the Catholic church for one thousand years - why not follow that tradition?
Also, the emphasis on vale of tears spirituality is different from the joyful tradition of the first Christians. They did not regard earthly life as something to get through, but actually the start of eternal life which would become complete in heaven. So they enjoyed life, wiped away tears and emphasised Jesus' healing ministry. In Acts, we read how the blind saw and the lame walked. Today, the traditional emphasis seems to be on sorrow, reparation, lack of joy and no miracles. Have you ever seen what's happening in other parts of the Catholic Church with groups such as Flame Ministries International and Cor et Lumen? These groups have the full backing of their respective bishops and their literature carries an Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat. Surely, bringing souls to Jesus, healing the sick and raising the dead - as these groups are doing - is very traditional.
Hope you don't mind me posting a few questions.
Blessings
James
James: what makes you think the Traditional Catholic Mass and devotions are the Tradition (ie handling down) of only 1000 years? Our religion is as old as Man himself: If you look at the old testament there is definately a Tradition being formed, handed on, and preserved. God commands Israel to honour and worship him with sacrifices for example: community worship in this sense was regulated through the strictest of commandments, from the priestly robes, to the adorned candles, the tabernacle, the sanctuary, the incense, to the decorum of the people, etc etc (any of this sound familiar?)
ReplyDeleteChristianity is a direct continuation of the faith of Israel. The Church is the New Israel, encompassing all races and peoples. In the early Church (I assume you lend a lot of your traditions to a very specific reading of the Bible) the first Christians would attend the temple sacrifice, and then break bread in their homes. It was only through organic development that the Church formed temple and synagogue together in the celebration of the Eucharist, and Christianity became distinct from the Jewish Pharasaic religion which denies Christ.
As an example, Gregorian Chant developed organically from the way Jesus would have chanted the Psalms in Hebrew.
Also recall that the biblical tradition shows a christianity which is persecuted and 'underground'. Once it became the religion of the Roman Empire, it was able to form a very distinct expression of public worship. Simply look to the Eastern Churches for similar organic and venerable Tradition.
What you practice is certainly within communion with the Catholic Church, by God's grace, but rather following in the protestant tradition of analysing the New Testament and trying to derive a model of community celebration and worship.
Furthermore, if you assume Christianity to be a religion of solely joy, without any redemptive suffering, then it is clear you are part of the Protestant trend.
God bless you and I hope you broaden your horizons about the beauty of the Catholic Faith soon.
James, you might find it instructive to read something of the Early Church Fathers. The picture they paint is not one of everyone falling over themselves with joy whilst breaking bread in eachothers houses. The early church has been somewhat romanticised and was every bit as divided as it is today. The Cross is what unites us and draws us into the heart of God, despite our differences and the New Testament itself teaches about the redemptive value of our sufferings WHEN we surrender them to the cross of Jesus. This in itself, believe it or not, is actually JOYFUL. As for the Rosary,it is simply praying the scriptures through the eyes of Mary, whom Jesus Himself gave to us to be our mother. Couldn`t be simpler, couldn`t be more joyful. Give it a try.
ReplyDelete