The more solemn the better?

[Mark1970]

I remember reading a book, years ago, that seemed to say that a Mass offered with more solemnity gave more incidental honour and worship to God than one offered with less solemnity. In EF terms, that a Solemn High Mass was “better” than a Low Mass. The writer wasn’t denying that all Masses are the re-presentation of the sacrifice of Calvary, but that in what we contribute to the Mass, it was better to celebrate Mass with more solemnity than less solemnity. Does this sound OK, theologically speaking? It was a long time since I read the book so I may have remembered the details wrong. But I think I’ve presented the general sense of the argument properly.

 

[superamazingman]

following the thread eagerly.

 

[coachdennis]

I remember reading a book, years ago, that seemed to say that a Mass offered with more solemnity gave more incidental honour and worship to God than one offered with less solemnity. In EF terms, that a Solemn High Mass was “better” than a Low Mass. The writer wasn’t denying that all Masses are the re-presentation of the sacrifice of Calvary, but that in what we contribute to the Mass, it was better to celebrate Mass with more solemnity than less solemnity. Does this sound OK, theologically speaking? It was a long time since I read the book so I may have remembered the details wrong. But I think I’ve presented the general sense of the argument properly.

Can’t wait to see this one play out

 

[DarkLight]

Before we go any further, could someone define exactly what “solemn” means here?

 

[DaveBj]

Before we go any further, could someone define exactly what “solemn” means here?

I’ve always associated solemnity with having been baptized in pickle juice, but that comes from having been raised in a Pentecostal denomination. With regard to the OP’s question, I don’t think God cares much one way or the other, as long as the assisters/attenders are participating to their fullest extent. But I don’t claim to have perfect knowledge of the mind of God in matters like these.

 

[theyoungmonk]

Before we go any further, could someone define exactly what “solemn” means here?

More soleminity is basicly to do with things such as adding incese, more candles, more Sacred Minsters (three at a Solemn High Mass rather than 1 at a Low Mass) more servers, having music sung by a choir rather than just speech etc.

 

[SMHW]

Before we go any further, could someone define exactly what “solemn” means here?

The best definition I have seen (outside of religious sources) is “with full ceremony”.

Our problem with words like solemn and ceremony is that in secular society we equate celebrations with being out of control.

In the Mass we should have infinite joy but still be in control. Today that is a foreign concept to many of us.