I ENJOYED Fr John Kilinko’s realistic comment on the Latin Mass/liturgy (CL 29/7/07) and laughed appreciatively at his heartfelt “Give me a break” – as many of our champions must feel at times.
He knows, better than I, that pronouncements from both Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul II have derived from a deep philosophical assessment.
Vatican II certainly “opened wide the windows and cleared out the stale air and cobwebs” but a lot of “depth” went out also.
A flood stream in a country creek certainly cleans it out and can even divert its course.
As an early on convert I was given a foundation which has made the difference – I’m not sure our young get that today, despite best efforts.
In the world around us education curricula tends to give preference to ideology/relative superficiality over substance.
We can toss the rote tables Catechism equivalent but what forms the basis of our young’s appreciation of what the Church stands for?
Regular confession is not the go. Is it a sin not to go to Sunday Mass?
I was never keen on the prospect of waving palm fronds at the Lord, but the thought of the alternative got my seat to Sunday Mass, until I grew a little.
Few of us oldies have “rejoiced in our Saviour.”
Even so the young are the key.
In a world grown weary of faith they need a solid foundation and to be challenged.
I think our Pope knows exactly what he’s doing – giving us back a bit of that depth – which has seen what’s new today become old hat tomorrow, several times over the centuries.
This and no doubt other moves will make a difference over time.
Hang in there Father – we desperately need and appreciate your vitality.
BILL WEBSTER
Holland Park, Qld
