NE OF MY TEACHERS used to frequently exclaim: “Sometimes what goes without saying needs to be said.” I often need a joke clearly explained to me, otherwise I won’t get it. On the other hand, when I read certain articles it’s easy for me to read between the lines—in other words, I can deduce somebody’s opinion by the choice of language. I doubt any of our readers need to be reminded that “he who controls the language controls the argument.” In 2004, GIA Publications published a quiz written by Fred Moleck. Do you see the “code words” Mr. Moleck uses to subtly attack the Traditional Latin Mass? I have placed several in red ink:
Who still has the knowledge and capability to celebrate a Tridentine solemn high Mass without going to a dozen different sources for rubrics and repertory? I devised a little self-examining checklist to see if you are equipped to rehearse and perform the music that the Tridentine rite needs to recapture the masses of yesteryear with full understanding of the choreography of the sacred drama unfolding in front of our very eyes. You see why so many folks bemoan the fact that, since the Mass went into English, we’ve lost so much of the mystery. Guess what? The mystery is still there, but it’s not in a foreign tongue, and it’s a ritual that makes very clear where one is in the worship chain.
Notice how many silly errors Fred Moleck makes in this quiz:
* PDF Quiz • “Just how Tridentine are you?” (GIA Publications)
For instance, Fred Moleck thinks it is called “Asperge me, Domine” (wrong). Fred Moleck is wrong when he asks: “On what important feast is the Agnus Dei omitted?” He meant to say Holy Saturday but got confused and said Holy Thursday. Fred Moleck is wrong about the posture during the singing of the Gloria and Credo (although he is partially correct). Fred Moleck is also wrong about the posture during “Et incarnatus est.”
Today is the 13th Anniversary of the announcement of Summorum Pontificum. (It would take effect on 14 September.) God is good; we have much to be thankful for. And Fred Moleck’s “quiz” is even goofier now than it was in 2004!
