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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.—(Read full biography).

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Quick Thoughts

Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski
PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Some of our younger parish clergy read their sermons. This should not be done except for some very special reason. The priest who is not capable of preparing and delivering a brief, clear instruction on Catholic teaching to his people is not fit to be in parish work. The people as a rule do not want to listen to a sermon reader.”

— Archbishop of Baltimore (9 July 1929)

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