http://wdtprs.com/blog/2007/03/the-exhortation-is-out-my-first-observations/
Amy Wellborn and others are paying close attention to what Fr. Z. says as he was at the press conference and as this is a "theological document." The highlights are complicated as one must first understand WHAT the Holy Father is trying to accomplish which is what Fr. Z. tries to explain (as he understands it). This is a day for first impressions only. Fr. Z. mentions that if one is not aware of how the Holy Father has constructed this, it appears to be spaghetti thrown at a wall. In fact, the underlying theme is that "active participation" has been grossly misunderstood in terms of what has happened to liturgy.
The Sign of Peace has been targeted for movement as it breaks up the actual flow of the Mass. Also, the priest is not to be the "center of focus" which is reserved for Christ. Does that mean that "ad orientem" is a better posture to defuse this? Dunno! One huge thing is that Latin is to be taught in seminaries and that Chant is the proper worship form for the Church. This Pope wants to see Chant return and wants priests to be very comfortable with it.
As Fr. Z. says, it is a suggestion to "reform the reform" but it does not spell this out. Of interest is the fact that Cardinal Scola stated specifically in response to a question that the Pian Rite had never been abrogated. He said that it was allowed in his diocese and that NO Rite has ever been abrogated with the appearance of a modification. That is big news for a lot of Bishops, I think.
Amy seemed to tackle the other issues in the footnotes for now.
F
Bears repeating!
The Sign of Peace has been targeted for movement as it breaks up the actual flow of the Mass.
Rumor has it that the Latin Church is considering placement similar to that used in the Maronite Church. The Sign of Peace is before the Consecration, which signifies that we are making peace with each other before Jesus is physically present with us in the Eucharist. The Sign of Peace flows from the altar through the priest who encloses the hands of the servers with his hands and the servers bring that Sign to the ushers and in turn to the congregation. It is dignified and respectful. No arm pumping or back slapping.
Does that mean that "ad orientem" is a better posture to defuse this?
Not necessarily. Again, using the Maronite Church as an examnple, there is a platform extending from the altar, called a bema. The early churches were former synagogues, and the bema was the raised platform on which the elders stood and read scripture. The priest and deacon sit at the end of the bema facing the altar rather than presiding over the congregation. The semicircular seating arrangement dates back to the two monastic choirs of the early church. it encourages the congregation to be participants in the liturgy, rather than spectators. The liturgy is throughout a dialogue between the people and the priest. The priest serves as the prayer leader in much the same way as Moses served the Israelites. The congregation stands or sits during the liturgy as the liturgy is chanted back and forth between the priest and the congregation.
The Maronites turned their altars around decades ago. Again, the approach is one of great respect - with profound reverence during the Consecration. Again, this calls to mind the Lord's Supper.
One huge thing is that Latin is to be taught in seminaries and that Chant is the proper worship form for the Church. This Pope wants to see Chant return and wants priests to be very comfortable with it.
God bless our Holy Father! This is as it should be.