Day 165: Summary of Liturgical Diversity

"Liturgical diversity can be a source of enrichment, but it can also provoke tensions, mutual misunderstandings, and even schisms. In this matter it is clear that diversity must not damage unity. It must express only fidelity to the common faith, to the sacramental signs that the Church has received from Christ, and to hierarchical communion. Cultural adaptation also requires a conversion of heart and even, where necessary, a breaking with ancestral customs incompatible with the Catholic faith." CCC 1206

Today's reading in the Catechism is a summary of the liturgical diversity in the Church. As this was mostly covered yesterday, I really see no need to go further into that again. It's curious that Ascension broke these two days up as they did instead of keeping them together as one. Nevertheless, the Catechism Companion, Vol II makes an observation I find relevant here:

The Church incorporates the culture in a unique way when celebrating the liturgy, while ensuring there is no corruption to the liturgy... Some cultural images that were originally pagan (such as Christmas trees) can be "adopted" in a way as signs of Christianity. Like us, they are brought into the Lord, into the Body of Christ. Yet some things are not compatible with the Church and our Faith, and they cannot be integrated. We must remain faithful to apostolic Tradition. (p. 94)

We have seen a lot of tension and disputes over the liturgy in my lifetime, much of which is probably cultural. "Liturgical dancers" for example are certainly not what I would consider proper at Mass but in some cultural traditions, it could be a high form of praise for God. I don't envy those tasked with sorting out such matters. It can be a delicate balance. Sometimes they get it right, and sometimes they don't. Which is the right answer in each case can also be cultural. For myself, I'm mostly satisfied with the Mass as it is in my parish. Some better hymns perhaps. If there were going to be changes, I'd prefer to go back to the Latin Mass, but with most of it in the vernacular. But that's just me.