Thanks, Dr. Kwasniewski, for this magnificent piece!
I think your best point was suggesting liturgical reform be entrusted to contemplatives.
There is a glaring blunder undermining your case:
"Third, the men who chose the readings were a committee of 'experts,' biblical scholars with sociological leanings, who should be distrusted when it comes to spiritual matters."
You yourself are considered an "expert," Professor. Is this a kind of logic puzzle? Should we trust you when you say to distrust experts? Is sociology the real Achilles' heel of biblical scholar committees? Is it like being a Mason or a sex offender?
There's no doubt that a generalized liturgical calendar designed for worldwide use would be enhanced by options for use in local, regional, or national churches, or in religious communities. I do think that the expansion of particular readings in the propers for saints would be a help. A very good case could be made for that. A better case could be made by keeping to your own argument and not attempting to slash away at the motivations or failings of your academic opponents.
Todd,
I see what you are driving at, but the fact is, I am no expert on the liturgy; I am a keenly interested observer who loves the Tradition of the Church and tries to understand it for what it is. To this extent I am not opposing myself (as one academic) against other academics, but merely pointing out that entrusting liturgical reform to a committee was NOT a good idea. In the history of the Church the liturgy has been shaped by countless, mostly anonymous contemplatives. I would not want to be one of the members of the calendar or lectionary committee. There are, however, monasteries I would feel confident recommending for that job!
Thanks for taking the time to read this essay.
Yours in Christ,
Peter Kwasniewski
Thank you for this wonderful post.
http://www.catholicheritage.blog...e.blogspot.com/
We’d be very glad if you could (a) post about the new blog and (b) link to it.
After 4 months, we think that our blog has ‘found its feet’. We feature news on the progress of the Traditional Latin Liturgy/Extraordinary Form/Gregorian Rite in the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, Ireland, as well as posts on Catholic Heritage.
God bless you!
St. Conleth’s Catholic Heritage Association
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