Does God speak Latin?

This blog went live in June of 2010. And here we are, making our first post now in January of 2011. Finally. I guess take from that what you will.

So I don't fully understand the Traditionalist mentality.

I mean, yes, I get it. The Novus Ordo Missae apparently lacks some of the theological beauty of the Latin Mass. I would even agree, in a limited way. Not to say that the vernacular Mass is lacking in theological beauty. Because it's not. The recent translation revisions were probably necessary, and I like them a lot. But if they were never made, it wouldn't really matter.

See, the point of the Mass is worshipful prayer. Eucharistic Adoration. The re-presentation of the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Are the rubrics important? The liturgical norms, the GIRM specifics? The way the words are spoken, and the order in which they are presented? Absolutely. Heck yes.

But let's be honest here. What do you REALLY need for Mass? A Priest, a loaf of wheat bread, and a Bible. Maybe some grape wine as well, but I don't even know of that's totally necessary. Now, I'm not saying that minimization of the liturgy should be the norm, but it makes, I think, an important point.

Words have power. We all know that. But when those words aren't fully understood, that power is stripped or, even worse, redirected in a negative way. Vatican II understood this fundamental truth, and took steps. Now, I'm not a fan of the "Keep the spirit, not the letter" mentality that was applied to many of the vernacular translations(the English in particular), but to reduce the entire council, the new Mass, and every Pope since as invalid or un-Catholic is, in my humble and oft-wrong opinion, not only an extreme and shortsightedly legalistic view, but straight-up sinful.

Plus, their arguments are always filled with silly rationalizations, non sequitur quotes from the Saints, and some impressive verbal gymnastics. Even trying to read some Traditionalist websites is an exercise in frustration. I'm looking at you, Society of St. Pius X.

Does God speak Latin? Well, I guess technically He does. But if He had to have a favorite language my money would be on Hebrew. Maybe Greek, possibly Aramaic.

Or hey, I know. How about Faith? That language of the believing heart that is, in the eyes of a God who not only loves but is Love itself, the most beautiful and passionate translation of the Liturgy there is.