A commentary on the new translation and the reform of the liturgy...

I recently caught a post over at the blog "The New Liturgical Movement" of a piece written by Fr. George Rutler in the journal "First Things" on the new translation of the Roman Missal (Ordinary Form). In it he comments not so much on the new translation, but rather on the subject of "ad Orientem" for the celebration of the Mass (of the priest and congregation both "facing the East" in one common direction).
This conversation is usually always met with resistance on the part of some, who like to refer to the issue as the priest "turning his back to the people." I think Fr. Rutler does a good job, however, of noting how the whole issue of "ad Orientem" constitutes not a rejection of the community and the community's participation in the Mass (as some fear), but rather a uniting of the priest and congregation in one common posture, physically embodying the common journey of the community to the East, associated from ancient times with the second coming. It seems to me that this was precisely the point of Pope Benedict (then Cardinal Ratzinger) in his advocacy for the position in his various writings (notably his book "The Feast of Faith" and "The Spirit of the Liturgy"). Additionally, the turning of the priest in the same direction as the people can tend to lessen the undue attention that can be drawn to the celebrant such that a truly negative form of "clericalism" arises, making the celebration of the Mass more focused on the priest than on his proper role: acting "in persona Christi" - as Christ who leads to the Father. Fr. Rutlege is of the opinion (as am I) that the new translation, while no doubt important, is not really the heart of the issue like the posture of the celebrant for Mass is. Anyway, I was compelled to post a link of it HERE. Check it out.

"Ordinary Form:"


"Extraordinary Form:"

Back to DC...

Made the trip back to DC this past Wednesday. Can't believe that it is my final year for JCL studies. Like last year, my sister Katie joined me for the drive and is spending a few days visiting here before the semester kicks off. Spent yesterday at the Smithsonian and the Nationals baseball game. Today we went to Harper's Ferry, WV. Here's some pics:

Eastbound on I-64:


The Freer Gallery at the Smithsonian:


The Nats Game (they beat the Cardinals in extra innings):


Harper's Ferry, WV (the view from the railroad bridge overlooking the confluence of the Shenandoah River with the Potomac River):


The Federal Armory in Harper's Ferry (which abolitionist John Brown attacked in the 1850's):

Last Sunday's Solemn High Mass...

Here's a short video of last Sunday's Solemn High Mass for the Assumption. It's hard to believe, but it had been fifteen years since our last Solemn High Mass at St. Martin's (Christmas 1995). Everything went very well, thanks to the commitment and hard work of the many participants. Enjoy...

Solemn High Mass...

Our final rehearsal for the upcoming Solemn High Mass for the Assumption was last night at St. Martin's. I'm amazed how well things have come together since our first rehearsal a couple weeks ago. Credit goes to all the servers and those involved with the Mass: they have spent a great deal of time studying rubrics, and to the choir who is preparing a very special Mass setting. I'm looking forward to Sunday at 12:30. If you are in the area, do come!

The South Holston River in Tennessee...

Another summer adventure to the East Tennessee - Southwest Virginia area. This time with a group of the guys. We fished the South Holston River just outside of Bristol. Monday we hired a guide, which was a good idea: it served not only as a great introduction to the river (where to access, flies to use, etc.), but also because the river rises dramatically at mid-day everyday, and having a guide meant having a drift boat for the afternoon high water. The fishing was prolific. It is estimated that the river contains between 5,000 - 6,000 trout per mile, predominantly wild, and averaging in the 12"-14" range! The majority of our fish were representative of those estimates, with a few going beyond that. In addition to the great fishing, the camaraderie was great with the guys, and the accommodations were nice (imagine a rustic cabin with a blue-ribbon trout stream passing not 100 yards from your front door...). All-in-all a fine week spent on the water...