Woofie-ism & post-Woofie-ism(1.0)

18 January 2007

"FOCUS !!!!"

Dear Fr.,

Yes, I have been thinking about the Liturgy Formation to address the liturgically-challenged. I have been doing a lot thinking & reflecting since the idea was mooted way back when.

For many years now (even before you mentioned the above) our Choir has read and reflected on the Sacramentum Concilium, the GIRM and other documents and encyclicals by various pontiffs. We have been respectful and reverent and tempered our rendering of the hymns to reflect the different parts of Mass. Our regular rehearsals are preceded by prayer. We encourage and help each other improve our music skills and our knowledge of liturgy. We have done our best in being faithful to the Church documents and to only do as much Latin as our choir and Assembly can handle.

But nothing prepared us for the brainstorming session held in anticipation of the more detailed planning for said Liturgical Formation. I am sorry Fr., but the discussion went everywhere except towards Liturgical Formation. Even in writing to you I am having tremendous difficulty simply trying to describe to you what this "everywhere"-discussion was all about.

There was talk that the Formation should make people (ie. all those involved in serving Mass) aware about their "calling". Then someone brought up people's attitudes to different methods of formation. Somebody else mentioned that the structure would be that you would talk then everybody would get into groups and reflect on what you said. Then someone else said that there should be more than just you and there should be three different people talking. Then someone else said that the formation can expect something like 200 (!!!!) participants, and the time alloted for the whole thing was from 1.30-5pm. The logistics alone is mind-boggling. The discussion continued to meander without proper focus. Despite the usual interjections from this quarter, the Woofies ruled the roost.

Thinking back on it again and again, one cannot help but surmise the brain-storming was an extravagant exercise in self-indulgent introspection. It is the latter plus the inability to look at the problem squarely in context which bedevils efforts to get us back on the right liturgical track.

The issue of liturgical-correctness in the celebration of the Eucharist is an issue of context. Sepcifically - a clear understanding of the rites and rituals of the Eucharist. The flogging of the traditional-hymns-vs.-contemporary-songs horse is about the understanding (or absence thereof) of context. That which is good for private devotions or other praise/worship occassions may not necessarily be appropriate within the celebration of the Eucharist. A style of singing and timbre of voice deemed impressive in the opera houses of the world may be a little excessive for the Responsorial Psalm. A volume of pulsating musical accompaniment essential for an outdoor jamboree will have to be made much more 'discreet' in the context of Mass inside a church where instruments 'exist', primarily, to accompany. Similarly, wonderfully uplifting lyrics with craftily manipulated harmonies are great for the emotional value but is that what music in Mass should be about? Is the Assembly there to be emotionally uplifted and/or entertained? That celebrating the Eucharist is all about 'man' instead of 'GOD'?

Yes Fr., extravagant self-indulgent introspection. This contemplation of one's own navel must cease. Post Woofie-ism must involve the return to fundamentals.

"We celebrate the Eucharist that God be glorified and man sanctified"

That is THE fundamental.

Think about it.