HRIST IS OFTEN shown as a loving and compassionate Good Shepherd, but seldom with a whip in hand, expelling those who would defile the Temple. It’s interesting that Christ used violence when it came to defending God’s Liturgy against profanation.
Traveling with my family this Memorial Day weekend, we attended a Catholic Church where the Communion Song was I am proud to be an American, accompanied by full band: drums, guitars, and so forth. As the soloist was singing — “From Detroit down to Houston, and New York to L.A., I thank my lucky stars…” — I couldn’t help but reflect upon the unbelievable damage that has been done to the Liturgy over the years.
My eyes caught a glimpse of five young Korean nuns, in full habit (distinctive garb), kneeling perfectly still (respect for the Eucharist), with perfectly folded hands (traditional posture), praying with great fervor (piety). I was greatly inspired by such a sight.
Someone once told me that St. Dominic, before starting his religious order, founded a convent of nuns. St. Dominic felt that nuns praying for the success of his endeavors was a crucial element.
IN MY HEART, I FEEL that somehow or other the young consecrated sisters will play a pivotal role in the restoration of Sacred Liturgy. I have no “evidence” to support my claim, but it’s a free country, so I can believe what I like.
Finally, let us not become discouraged. Consider the words of a truly great liturgist, written in 1992:
Nostra res agitur! It behooves us to work while the light lasts, so that the Ecclesia orans will not have to cross the threshold of the third millenium with empty hands and ears ringing to the faint echoes of the ancient laughter of Gelimer, King of the Vandals. Let us therefore continue to do the best things in the worst times, and to hope them in the most calamitous. In mundo pressuram habebitis, sed confidite, ego vici mundum. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world (John 16:33). (Source)
In a humble effort to “do the best things in the worst times,” a team of Catholics created the Jogues Illuminated Missal. Perhaps God will allow this book to be like those young nuns, who represent — nay, embody! — the true “renewal” of the Church!
