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Views from the Choir Loft

First Century Progressives

Fr. David Friel · November 16, 2012

READ ALMOST an entire book of the Bible this morning. The first reading for the day consisted of the lion’s share of the Second Letter of John, which is only 13 verses in total. But “the Presbyter,” as John refers to himself, says a great deal in that short space.

In the first half of the letter, he provides a summation of the Gospel. A young man when he traveled with his friend & Lord, Jesus, John had grown to old age by the time he wrote his letters. In the wisdom of his old age, John neatly encapsulates the life & mission of our Lord in three words: “love one another.”

What really struck me, though, was the second half of the letter. We encounter this admonition in verse 9: “Anyone who is so ‘progressive’ as not to remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God.” John clearly speaks unfavorably of those whom he names “progressive.” The Greek word used is προάγων, which literally means anyone “who goes ahead.” The provenance of 2 John is likely Ephesus around the end of the first century, so what strikes me is that there were already problems with progressives who would distort Christian teaching, even only 70 years after our Lord’s Crucifixion.

We ought not to be shocked, then, that so much of our modern world believes it is too “sophisticated” for God. Many actually believe that the human progress of the twentieth century will eventually lead to the obsolescence of Christian faith.

Let’s not drink that Kool-Aid. Let’s instead remember that we are radically contingent beings who are utterly dependent on God. It is impossible to progress beyond the wisdom, power, and love of God.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Anselm Church in Northeast Philly before earning a doctorate in liturgical theology at The Catholic University of America. He presently serves as Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and teaches liturgy at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

    PDF • “For the Season of Pentecost”
    During the season of Pentecost, you might consider using this 2-page Piece “for the season of Pentecost.” Rehearsal videos are available at #40691, but the lyrics are different. Therefore, make sure your choir members understand that one can rehearse songs that have different lyrics (“CONTRAFACT”).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Introit • (This Coming Sunday)
    Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here's my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Volunteer Choir Attempts “Kýrie Eléison”
    My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year's Sacred Music Symposium. If you're interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of the quote by Artur Schnabel: “music that's greater than it can be performed.”
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“In my opinion, there should be reached the aim that all priests could continue to use the old Missal.”

— ‘Cardinal Ratzinger, Letter to Wolfgang Waldstein (14 December 1976)’

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