Miss Andrews, each word of this is correct. Part of the reason for the explosion of people seeking the Tridentine Mass is that real catechesis is happening again, here and there, due to apostolates like the Augustine Institute. Once people begin to glimpse the depth and grandeur of the faith, the Novus Ordo quickly becomes revealed for the clunky, cheap mess that it is - and was designed to be by a freemason with a red hat.
What you say is true. Once you have learned more about the Faith and believe it fully, you can't help but feel the Novus Ordo is deficient. The internet has it's cons, but when it comes to what is happening these days, I think it is a great blessing from God that he allowed us to have all this communication in these times.
I think you have buried the lede, Miss Andrews. Near the end you write: “They attend Sunday Mass and find that the Mass is not about Christ’s Sacrifice but about Father Bob’s nice jokes, and the ‘community.’” Having watched the full-length movie, “Jesus Thirsts,” and watched the media surrounding the “Eucharistic Revival” event, I am distressed to say that even if 99% of congregants were to believe in the Real Presence, we would not successfully revive the faith unless Catholics were also instructed about how the Mass is a Sacrifice. I can’t tell you how many people—even daily communicants [Novus Ordo]—stand slack-jawed when I try to explain what is happening on the altar. One woman (almost 70) said she had never heard that in her life!
The concern about “real Presence” without “real Sacrifice” is that it can at best be the grounds for a “Jesus and me” moment, especially if the emphasis is on how “Jesus really wants to be with you, He wants to come to you, and the highlight of Holy Mass is receiving Him.” This last point was made in the movie, and is false, and is the grounds for the whole controversy about who can receive. If Mass is primarily a banquet, then of course it’s rude to exclude some “guests,” but if it’s primarily a Sacrifice, then our presence is paramount. (I don’t mean to diminish the importance of receiving Communion, but it’s secondary to the Sacrifice.)
I don’t like being a crank, but it’s frustrating to see so much energy spent on a project that is wide of the mark. I want the Church to thrive, to be restored to a proper understanding of Herself, and yet this watered down version of catechesis can only help so much.
I agree with you, Genevieve. I, too, am tired of seeing how receiving Communion has been made foremost in the Mass, while the sacrificial aspect has been put to the side (like you say, not to say that receiving Communion isn't important, because it is). Once you understand that the Mass is a "sacrifice" and not just a nice "meal" your whole view-point changes. Perhaps that is why that aspect of the Mass was de-emphasized in the first place.
Thank you! Unfortunately, I can't read your article, as it is for paid subscribers, but I'm sure it must be wonderful. I'm hoping to take out a paid subscription, soon, though, so I'll make sure to read it then!
Miss Andrews, each word of this is correct. Part of the reason for the explosion of people seeking the Tridentine Mass is that real catechesis is happening again, here and there, due to apostolates like the Augustine Institute. Once people begin to glimpse the depth and grandeur of the faith, the Novus Ordo quickly becomes revealed for the clunky, cheap mess that it is - and was designed to be by a freemason with a red hat.
What you say is true. Once you have learned more about the Faith and believe it fully, you can't help but feel the Novus Ordo is deficient. The internet has it's cons, but when it comes to what is happening these days, I think it is a great blessing from God that he allowed us to have all this communication in these times.
Beautiful article, and well stated!!
I think you have buried the lede, Miss Andrews. Near the end you write: “They attend Sunday Mass and find that the Mass is not about Christ’s Sacrifice but about Father Bob’s nice jokes, and the ‘community.’” Having watched the full-length movie, “Jesus Thirsts,” and watched the media surrounding the “Eucharistic Revival” event, I am distressed to say that even if 99% of congregants were to believe in the Real Presence, we would not successfully revive the faith unless Catholics were also instructed about how the Mass is a Sacrifice. I can’t tell you how many people—even daily communicants [Novus Ordo]—stand slack-jawed when I try to explain what is happening on the altar. One woman (almost 70) said she had never heard that in her life!
The concern about “real Presence” without “real Sacrifice” is that it can at best be the grounds for a “Jesus and me” moment, especially if the emphasis is on how “Jesus really wants to be with you, He wants to come to you, and the highlight of Holy Mass is receiving Him.” This last point was made in the movie, and is false, and is the grounds for the whole controversy about who can receive. If Mass is primarily a banquet, then of course it’s rude to exclude some “guests,” but if it’s primarily a Sacrifice, then our presence is paramount. (I don’t mean to diminish the importance of receiving Communion, but it’s secondary to the Sacrifice.)
I don’t like being a crank, but it’s frustrating to see so much energy spent on a project that is wide of the mark. I want the Church to thrive, to be restored to a proper understanding of Herself, and yet this watered down version of catechesis can only help so much.
I agree with you, Genevieve. I, too, am tired of seeing how receiving Communion has been made foremost in the Mass, while the sacrificial aspect has been put to the side (like you say, not to say that receiving Communion isn't important, because it is). Once you understand that the Mass is a "sacrifice" and not just a nice "meal" your whole view-point changes. Perhaps that is why that aspect of the Mass was de-emphasized in the first place.
Yes!! Great article!! Communion in the hand! It makes me so sad…
Excellent post!
Allow me to share a similar one from my corner of Substack:
https://traditionsanity.substack.com/p/no-eucharistic-revival-without-restoration
Thank you! Unfortunately, I can't read your article, as it is for paid subscribers, but I'm sure it must be wonderful. I'm hoping to take out a paid subscription, soon, though, so I'll make sure to read it then!
Thanks, I appreciate every subscriber - but if you send me your email, I'll forward that article in full to you.
Oh, thank you! I'll send my address to you privately.