Post by ralfy on Nov 8, 2022 3:30:38 GMT
The main problem is the language barrier. I think the Church realizes that people need to understand the words used in what they are celebrating, and they can't if they don't understand them. That's also why Scriptures are read in the vernacular and not in Latin, or even in the Greek. The same can even be seen for the sermon in the EF. This also explains why during the centuries that the EF was imposed the Church allowed missionaries to use vernacular languages in several places.
Second, one has to figure out what being "moved by" means, especially if it involves a language that one doesn't understand. That might mean, following what my friends who don't speech Slavic languages experienced, liking the way people sound during the Mass plus all of the glitter, chants, etc. The irony is that if they still understand what's going on it's only because they had been attending Catholic Mass in a language that they know, and thus know what the Mass is about.
At this point, the only thing I'm reminded of is the character Clark Grisworld from _European Vacation_. He sees Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower and is suddenly inspired to paint great art. That's a normal reaction but more is needed to understand what great art means.
What about quiet attentiveness? I talked to some seniors who grew up with the EF. They told me that they didn't understand the words and that also didn't matter since they could barely hear the priest. Given that, they just prayed the rosary or a novena. In addition, as one article puts it, priests may rush through what they have to say quietly to finish early.
In multiple documents Pope Benedict XVI pointed out that the early Church celebrated Mass in a similar way as that of the OF: active participation, people singing together, Communion in the Hand, etc. Given that, one can argue that the Church is also going back to its roots.
Finally, the Church has also realized that not only should it be logical about the use of vernacular languages not only for the liturgy but even for Scriptures and catechism, but that the faithful should also be active in studying and reflecting on the Bible. That's why it came up with a cycle of readings for the OF that encourages that.
Given such, the need for the OF plus many more reforms becomes very logical and practical. This also explains why some are considering celebrating the EF in vernacular languages, and probably adopting more readings from Scriptures.
What about being powerfully moved? This requires more money to have more beautiful Churches, deacons, Missals, Bibles, garments, music classes, time to practice, and more. The Church needs to find ways to gain more funds to make such readily available worldwide.
What about Latin? The Church will need more schools and teaching centers, and thus more money, to teach not only children but even adults the language so that it can be used for Mass. One can start with some of the prayers sung during Mass, and then go beyond that slowly.
Finally, what about quiet attentiveness? Parishes can require similar before or after Mass, or maybe even during part of the OF; do most of the faithful want that? Or it can offer that via recollections and retreats, which again require more resources?