Amen to this, Roseeurekacross!
The OF Mass is what led me and my husband to Catholicism. We have often speculated on the likelihood that we would have become interested in Catholicism in an EF Mass, and always (14 years now), our answer is “Highly unlikely, although the Lord God does perform miracles.”
I think that what should change about the OF Mass is that all of us should stop analyzing and criticizing it
Instead, we should enter into it humbly and reverently, recognizing that God has given His bishops authority on this earth, and that we should submit to this authority with gratefulness and gladness. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise!”
We need to ask God to restore to us the joy of our salvation and come to Mass prepared to participate fully in every aspect of the Mass, not check out mentally and doze. I confess that there are Masses where I am off in la-la land thinking about my life, my favorite TV shows, my work, my kids, etc.
But above all, the spirit of contention and divisiveness needs to end. This is so harmful to the Church and a grave sin. Read through the New Testament epistles and see how many times the Apostles condemn “factions” and those who are involved in dividing the Church.
Those of you who simply can’t abide the OF Mass should seriously consider moving to a city where the EF Mass is offered (our city has it offered not only on Sundays, but daily as well). You will be happier, at least I think you will, unless the Spirit of Contention has so warped you that you would find fault even in the Traditional Mass.
I don’t understand how you remain Catholic when you are so unhappy–that alone tells me that God works through the OF Mass because He has managed to hang onto you in spite of all the “irreverence” and “banal music” and “spoken prayers” and “ad populum” and “CITH” etc., etc.! Think about that.
Think about that list of gripes that I just listed–that’s shameful! If a child of mine let loose with a litany of complaints like that, I would have sat her down and told her to start writing a list of a hundred things that she is grateful for! And yet we hear this constantly on CAF! It’s a wonder that anyone is attracted to Catholicism, considering how much Catholics themselves bash their Church!
Here’s a suggestion–if you are unhappy in the OF Mass and think that’s it’s “Protestant” or “irreverent” or “noisy”–take a field trip some Sunday to an Evangelical Protestant megachurch No fair attending a Mainline worship service-in many of these, there are still remnants of traditional liturgy. No, no, no–you head for a Protestant Evangelical service, preferably a non-denominational service, but if you attend a denominational service, make sure to attend the “Contemporary” service.
I’m guessing you will have to go to the ER afterwards for oxygen and tranquilizers!
It will make you appreciate your OF Mass!
)
