P
promethius
Guest
I treat it a bit lightheartedly because this is an issue I struggle with from time to time as well, not nearly as bad as I used to though. The self appointed liturgy police thing is a lighthearted way of pointing out that when we think we have the duty to judge others’ that we’re creating an authority (office) which is not endorsed by the church.Promethius,
Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the concerns and I do agree with you since you started off by saying “Arnold, Arnold, Arnold.” LOL I can almost hear the tone of voice you were using which is very understandable.
Now, Liturgy Police was a bit sarcastic if I might say. Although I do understand your point in me not worrying about other people and what they are doing, however If I may use this example. Wasn’t St. Paul addressing “abuses” in the church in Corinth? If I recall correctly, he was addressing alot of things they were doing wrong and trying to get them to stop it. And on top of this, he was a apostle of Jesus Christ in which this case was given the authority to preach and that did include visiting Corinth to set them straight in their methods of worship during mass.
Now,…the same could be said of the lady passing out theses fliers…perhaps she too was addressing issues like St. Paul was. But St. Paul addressed ALL those in the congregation not individuals, if memory serves correct.
Promethius don’t get me wrong you are correct in saying that i shouldn’t worry about it, but if I feel that God is urging me to speak up on what I feel are “abuses” shouldn’t I look to St. Paul’s example? Anyway, thank you Promethius for your (name removed by moderator)ut. I do appreciate it very much. God Bless you Brother
Arnold
The difference between this woman and St Paul is not that she targeted you specifically. That would be allowable if she had the authority to do so. But St Paul was a Bishop and you, I, and that woman are not. St Paul was the Christ appointed liturgical police (okay, shepherd), while we are only self-appointed because, in the long and short of it, we are only laypersons.
The proper way to address these issues is to discuss them with the priest and leave the decision ultimately in his hands for him to evaluate and decide… but that should really be for the blatant errors that we can’t help but see… otherwise our focus should be on celebrating the mass to the best of our ability.
So pray for me, Arnold, that I might celebrate the mass as best I can in a pleasing manner to the Lord, and not be distracted with judging others’ behaviors when I should be concentrating solely on God and His liturgy!
Pax et Caritas Christi tecum, my friend!